About 8,000 participants filled Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Korea, on April 4 for the “2026 Easter Parade,” a large-scale public event highlighting the biblical narrative and the history of the Korean church while proclaiming the message of the risen Christ.
The parade, hosted by the United Christian Churches of Korea (UCCK), was organized by CTS Christian TV (CTS), the CTS Cultural Foundation and Joy & Com Co. under the theme, “Because He lives, we can face tomorrow! The living Lord, my true hope!”
Forty teams took part in the event, which stretched across Gwanghwamun Square and nearby Sejong-daero. The program was structured in four acts and 14 scenes — The Beginning of the Promise, Suffering and Resurrection, The Korean Peninsula and the Gospel, and The Promise of the Future — combining key stories from the Bible with milestones in Korean church history.
The opening ceremony began with a prayer by Rev. Park Dong-chan of Ilsan Kwanglim Church, standing chair of the Easter Parade organizing committee.
Rev. Kim Jung-seok, representative president of UCCK, called for unity and public witness, saying, “Let the Korean church, united in love, go out into the world and proclaim the news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us take steps of hope that overcome despair and proclaim the Kingdom of God together.”
Rev. Lee Young-hoon of Yoido Full Gospel Church, who served as event chairman, expressed hope that the gathering would have a wider impact. “I hope this holy procession filling Gwanghwamun Square will become a light of hope that brightens the world,” he said. “May the love and grace of the risen Jesus Christ be delivered to those who are in war and suffering.”
Rev. Jang Bong-saeng, moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Hapdong), added that he hoped “this sacred march will become a signal flare for a great spiritual revival that awakens this stagnant age.”
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said the parade could serve as a unifying moment. “I hope this march will become a journey of hope that lifts one another up beyond division and conflict,” he said, adding that he hoped the message of the resurrection would bring courage to those facing hardship.
Additional congratulatory remarks were delivered by Rep. Lee Yong-sun of the Democratic Party of Korea, Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party, Heo Eun-a, senior secretary for national unity at the Presidential Office, and Lee Sung-bae, floor leader of the Seoul Metropolitan Council.
The parade formally began with an opening declaration by CTS Chairman Gam Kyung-cheol, who said he hoped the event would grow beyond denominational and generational boundaries. “I hope the Easter Parade will become a festival that conveys the life and love of the resurrection across denominations and generations,” he said. “We will strive to develop it into a global Christian cultural festival.”
Participants from Yoido Full Gospel Church then led the procession carrying a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred object described in the Old Testament as holding the Word of God. The replica was constructed based on biblical descriptions to resemble the original.
Scenes from Scripture were reenacted throughout the parade route, including the parting of the Red Sea, the birth of Jesus, the wedding at Cana and the Last Supper, with professional performers taking part. A central stage production presented a large-scale musical depicting the suffering, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, aiming to convey the meaning of the resurrection to attendees.
The program also highlighted the development of Christianity in Korea. Reenactments portrayed missionary efforts during the country’s modernization period, including the educational and medical work of missionaries such as Horace Allen and Mary Scranton. The procession of Sorae Church symbolized the translation of the Bible into Korean and the establishment of self-supporting churches, illustrating the formation and growth of the Korean church.
At the conclusion of the parade, participants — including members of the National Hymn Singing Movement — joined together in singing “Because He Lives,” proclaiming the message of the resurrection.
In parallel with the parade, an “Easter Village” featuring experiential, recreational and exhibition booths operated at Gwanghwamun Square. Christian cultural ministries, including the calligraphy group Cheonghyeonjae and the Christian webtoon “Chorong and God,” participated by offering Easter-themed goods and interactive programs.
The day’s events concluded with a “Joyful Concert” in the evening, featuring performances by BTOB, Billlie and Calling Choir, bringing the public celebration to a close.
Original reporting by Christian Daily Korea, translated and edited by CDI staff.
