The Whispering Wall Project is a quiet reflection, creativity, and connection space. Through writing and origami, participants can express themselves, fold their thoughts into art, and participate in a shared experience of remembrance and healing.

The Whispering Wall Origami Project began as a personal journey of loss, remembrance, and healing, but it has grown into something larger—a quiet stand against the cycle of violence, a tribute to resilience, and a collective call for peace. Our founder, Suyeon Yang, is a descendant of Jeju 4.3 victims. Between 1945 and 1948, over 30,000 innocent civilians were massacred on Jeju Island, a volcanic island off the southern coast of Korea, after being falsely accused of being communists. Among them were her grandfather and uncles, who were taken from their home and never seen again. Her father, a child at the time, survived—but the weight of trauma remained with him for life. Over time, Suyeon saw how trauma lingers across generations. The pain of the past does not fade on its own; it is carried forward, shaping lives, communities, and histories. This realization led her to explore collective trauma—how grief and loss are not just personal experiences but shared ones, and how resilience is something we build together. She began folding camellia flowers, the symbol of Jeju 4.3, a flower that blooms even in the cold, its petals falling whole rather than scattered—a symbol of lives lost too soon, yet unbroken in spirit. But the camellia is not just a marker of one historical tragedy; it represents all innocent lives lost to war, conflict, and injustice, and it stands as a quiet protest against senseless violence. What began as a personal act of tribute became something more: a way to hold memory in her hands, to give shape to grief, and to create a space for others to do the same. The Whispering Wall Project is for anyone who carries an untold story, who seeks reflection, or who finds meaning in small, intentional acts. Folding origami is more than art—it is an act of remembrance, a call for peace, and a way to ensure that both personal and collective stories are never forgotten. 📌 For more details, visit our "About Us" page.

No experience is needed! Our workshops include step-by-step guidance, making them accessible to everyone. Origami is a mindful and calming activity, helping with focus, relaxation, and creative expression. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced folder, you can join.

Our monthly in-person workshops take place at local libraries or community spaces. We also offer small-group Zoom workshops for those who prefer to participate remotely. 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events and workshops!

Our workshops are open to all ages, welcoming children, adults, and seniors. Each session is designed to be age-appropriate, ensuring that everyone can engage at their own level. For younger participants, the focus is on learning origami and mindfulness, making it an accessible and enjoyable hands-on activity. Older participants may choose to explore deeper reflection and storytelling, but participation is always flexible. No prior experience with origami is necessary—we provide step-by-step guidance to help everyone, regardless of skill level, take part in a meaningful and creative experience.

Yes, our monthly in-person workshops are free, and all materials are provided. Zoom workshops are generally free, but some programs may have a small fee depending on the content. Please check our event details for more information. 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates!

Write a wish, a hope, or a quiet thought that has been lingering in your heart. Maybe it’s something you’ve never said out loud, a memory you want to honor, or a letter to someone—past, present, or future. You can write to yourself, to a loved one, or even to a stranger who might one day read your words. It can be a message of healing, a whisper of gratitude, or a simple reflection of this moment in time. If words don’t come easily, that’s okay too. We have gentle prompts on some of the papers to help guide your thoughts. And remember, you don’t have to write at all—folding alone carries its own meaning. Whatever you choose to do, your presence here is already part of something beautiful.

We have not received external funding for this project. Instead, we rely on individual donations to keep our workshops open to everyone. The Whispering Wall Project is organized by Walden Korea, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization. Your donation helps sustain our workshops, exhibitions, and outreach programs, ensuring that we can continue to provide free and meaningful experiences to communities. 💖 Ways to Support: Make a Donation – All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly toward funding materials, event facilitation, and expanding accessibility. Provide Origami Materials – Donations of origami paper and supplies help keep our workshops open to all. Host a Workshop – Bring the Whispering Wall to your school, organization, or community. Spread the Word – Share our project with others who may want to fold, reflect, and connect. Your generosity allows this project to grow, helping more people engage in remembrance, healing, and creative expression. 📩 To donate or learn more, contact us at info@waldenkorea.org.

Yes! The Whispering Wall Workshop brings people together through the simple yet powerful act of folding and storytelling. Whether in a school, workplace, community center, or private gathering, this experience fosters creativity, reflection, and meaningful connection. Our workshops offer a variety of origami techniques suited to different skill levels, allowing participants to engage at their own pace. Beyond folding, we guide participants in exploring personal and collective storytelling, transforming simple acts of creation into a shared experience of expression and remembrance. A Whispering Wall is more than an art project—it is a space where quiet voices take shape, memory and creativity intertwine, and individuals can connect beyond words. Hosting a workshop in your community is an opportunity to enrich your space with moments of reflection, collaboration, and artistic expression. 📌 Workshop fees vary depending on the group size and type of event. Please contact us to discuss details and customize a workshop that fits your community.

Yes, we offer free workshops for children and families in need as part of our commitment to accessibility. 📩 If you or someone you know would benefit from this, please contact us.