Korea universities hold Lunar New Year events for international students

"I did feel a bit lonely because I couldn't go home during the Lunar New Year, but attending the event felt like I received an unexpected present," one Dongyang University student said.

Gyeongsang National University's international students do the ganggangsullae, a Korean traditional circle dance, at a Lunar New Year festival organized by the university. [GYEONGSANG NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

Universities held Lunar New Year events for international students staying in Korea over the holiday.

Mokpo National University gathered international students for a Lunar New Year celebration, sharing traditional food and exchanging gifts with each other.

"We organized the event so our international students, who have all come from countries abroad, can enjoy the warm holiday spirit ahead of the Lunar New Year," Go Du-gap, head of the university's Institute of International Exchange & Education, said Thursday. "We plan to also host various other events to help our students adjust to studying in Korea."

Dongyang University students also gathered at the school's campus on Wednesday to celebrate the new year.

A total of 65 students from Mongolia and 72 students from Vietnam attended the event, putting on a talent show and sharing food.

"I did feel a bit lonely because I couldn't go home during the Lunar New Year, but attending the event felt like I received an unexpected present," said a student who attended the event. "I also liked that I could meet international students from other countries."

Kwangju Women's University said Tuesday it held a similar event for international students staying in dorms during the holiday period.

Gyeongsang National University held a celebration on Feb. 2, inviting 60 international students to experience traditional Lunar New Year activities and games.

The students gathered at the university's gym, dancing the ganggangsullae, atraditional Korean circle dance, and playing jegichagi, or a game in which players try to keep kicking a small shuttlecock-like object.

"We hope the Lunar New Year events can help international students experience Korea's traditional culture and also allow them to enjoy the holiday period," said Kim Gon-sup, the university's vice president of research affairs.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]