In Tune with the Island of Peace – The Delphic Games 2009 on Jeju
In September 2009, the volcanic island of Jeju, South Korea, became the stage for an extraordinary global celebration of art and culture: the III Delphic Games of the modern era. Held under the theme “In Tune with Nature”, the event brought together hundreds of artists in a place known not only for its stunning landscapes, but also as Korea’s Island of Peace.
Jeju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long stood as a symbol of reconciliation, ecological harmony and open cultural exchange. These values align perfectly with the mission of the Delphic Movement, which sees the arts as a universal language of understanding and peace. Hosting the Games here was more than symbolic — it was a deeply resonant choice.
The 2009 edition was the largest Delphic Games to date, with over 700 participants from 54 countries. In six official Delphic art categories — including music, dance, visual arts, performing arts, literature, and digital media — artists shared their talents not to compete, but to inspire and connect.
A moving highlight of the opening ceremony was the water ritual: sacred water from the ancient spring of Delphi in Greece was ceremonially mixed with water from the crater lake of Mount Hallasan on Jeju. This act poetically unified East and West, ancient and modern, humanity and nature.
Supported by Korean Minister of Culture In-Chon Yu and Governor Kim Tae-hwan of Jeju, the Games stood as a beacon of cultural diplomacy. They demonstrated how creativity can transcend borders and offer new ways to engage with our shared planet and one another.
The Delphic Games 2009 proved that art can be a gentle but powerful force — one that bridges cultures, heals divisions, and celebrates what connects us all. On Jeju, the dream of peaceful global community found a home in harmony with both nature and spirit.