In Korea, almost every university has a variety of festivals. First, a small festival is held in each college, and then a representative festival is held where every student can take part in programs and see performances. According to the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, there are around 400 universities in Korea. In each university, many festivals, large and small, are held every year and are considered as a part of the students’ culture.
  A few days ago, CBNU’s festival came to an end. Its span was from October 5th through the 7th. Before starting the main festival, a singing festival was held in each college and other programs were started. Not only CBNU’s festival but also other universities’ festivals have a similar pattern in Korea. The pattern is that, before starting the main festival, small song festivals, food stalls, and bars appear on the street, and at the end of the festival, some famous singers are invited to the events. This type of festival has become a natural way for university students.
  As the years have passed, the festival style has changed. In the 1960~70’s, there were few students, composed of the so-called elite, due to the Korean War, and the events were also limited. The events were a Western style with plays, folk dances, and costume parades. In the 1980’s, our government was autocratic, and there were a lot of struggles against it. Naturally, the university festivals became a place where students could express their own thoughts and opinions against the government. In the 1990’s, the festivals started to become similar with current festivals. Compared to the past, the festivals have become more commercial and popular.
  Through these changes, we can finally enjoy the current festivals. Let’s find out the differences between Korean festivals and other countries’ festivals and listen to foreigners’ thoughts.

By Lee Seong-ho
shl36@cbnu.ac.kr

Q1. In your opinion, what are the differences between the university festivals in Korea and the university festivals in your country? And also, what are the pros and cons of each?

Jessy Escande(France): In France, universities do not have festivals per se. Almost no events affect the lives of college students. We also have neither an opening ceremony nor a graduation ceremony. Our relation to the university is more bureaucratic, and we receive our diploma in the most informal ways. Therefore, the main difference between France and South Korea would be the existence of the festivals themselves.

Gatape Dianka(Senegal): In Senegal, a university festival is little bit different from the Korean university festivals. The differences can be seen in two areas. First, the length of the festival is shorter in Senegal than in Korea. The length of the festival is just one full day, which is composed of lots of activities. Second, the content of the festival is also different. Depending on the university, nowadays, Senegal is inviting a lot of students from other countries so that we can experience their foods and cultures.
  The festivals in Korea’s universities are mostly focused on the domestic view even though they are trying to integrate foreigners and activities from other cultures. I have seen some activities for foreigners, but they are mostly for foreigners to learn about each other and to present their countries for those few Korean students who assist the festival.

Q2. What do you think is the most important thing in a university festival?

Jessy Escande(France): As far as I experienced, the festivals in South Korea seem to be used to relieve accumulated stress throughout the semester, and students think of the festival as an inclusive social gathering. It also could make the students feel good. I think that the most important thing in the festival is the students’ mental attitude toward a sense of belonging.

Gatape Dianka(Senegal): I think that the festival is an event where everyone can express themselves and learn about social life in the university. In that perspective, making friendships and displaying talents are the most important things in the university festivals.