The Korea International Cultural Exchange Association will officially begin operations after a launching ceremony in Seoul Monday evening.

With about 1,000 members including culture, arts and sports experts, the heads of culture businesses and university professors, the association will promote Korean culture, tourism and sports to the world.

The body will open a seminar on peace and ecology of the Demilitarized Zone in September and an international art exhibition in Seoul in October on the inter-Korean border and the rising popularity of Korean pop culture abroad.

In cooperation with other government agencies, the association will develop content on Korean culture and build a theme park.