Hoping to have an event of joy, intellect, and togetherness!


The world event for democracy and peace in education, IDEC, will finally be in Korea this year.

It will be organized by our national networks in Korean alternative education (PSAE, KPAAE, and SALCN) and its associated schools and learning centers; who we feel are the most significant contributors.

We hope this event enables us to 1) review what we have done for the last decade in Korea with our world friends and 2) discuss how we can continue to build for the future during this exciting festival.


Some of us have gotten old while some new energies have emerged. Some are exhausted while many of us continue the battle to break through the dominant system and create alternatives. We believe we can learn from each other; we can create a level of communication among many countries and explore the potential of an education based on love and life. We hope this communication will take place amidst a great deal of fun and enjoyment.

Please join this wonderful event of sharing: searching for the culture of life and peace in education, and allow yourself to dance in joy for this freedom.


Hee-Chang Yang (Former Chairman, PSAE)
Myung-Chol Kim (Chairman, KPAAE)
Hye-Jung Cho (Director, SALCN)

Co-chairperson, IDEC 2009 KOREA Organizing Committee

Welcome to the IDEC 2009 KOREA website!

IDEC has taken a very prominent role in enhancing the communication between schools, educators, students, parents, and scholars of democratic education in the world. At the same time, it has effectively spread its message of democratic education to the world. IDEC has been growing steadily not only in its members (students, teachers, parents, schools and countries) but also in the opportunities for discussion and communication with its wider community of the hosting country. Now in 2009, IDEC is being held in Korea.

Korea started its 'alternative education' with only a handful of democratic schools in the mid 90s and now, after only 10 years, it has grown to over 100 schools. It is our great pleasure that we have this opportunity to showcase Korean 'alternative education', as well as learn from our overseas friends. We, all the members of the Managerial Committee of IDEC 2009 KOREA, are very excited to meet and discuss with you during this wonderful event!

Looking forward to seeing you very soon!

Tae Wook Ha
Festival Director, IDEC 2009 KOREA Managerial Committee