Music Plays in Court… Suwon District Court Becomes 'Court of Peace'

Suwon District Court has decided to post a plaque reading "Court of Peace" at the entrances of all civil and criminal courtrooms and to play music inside the courtrooms before trials begin to help parties achieve psychological stability.

This is a first nationwide initiative aimed at lowering the threshold of the traditionally rigid and authoritarian courtroom to commune with the public.

Suwon District Court recently finalized this plan and plans to post plaques at the entrances of all courtrooms soon.

The plaque will carry the phrase "This is a Court of Peace. We will listen to even the quietest voices," created based on the results of a slogan contest held last month among all court staff.

The court also decided to play music including instrumental pieces in the courtrooms for approximately 20 minutes each morning and afternoon to help parties and stakeholders waiting to stand trial enter their proceedings with peace of mind.

This follows the announcement by Court President Seong Nak-song, who took office in February, that he would make Suwon District Court "the nation's finest court, represented by the Court of Peace and impressive service."