API: Experience Seoul, South Korea (Scholarships Available)

I had the incredible opportunity to experience ‘Daedongje(대동제)’ and ‘Ipselenti(입실렌티)’. These are distinctly different festival concerts. At Korea University ‘Daedongje’ is organized by the Student Union, while ‘Ipselenti’ is hosted by the Korea University cheering squad. The KU Festival organized by the Student Union is called ‘Daedongje’.
Every year, the last week of May is the festival period at Korea University. From Monday to Thursday, the Student Union organizes the ‘Daedongje’, and on Friday, KU cheerleaders host the ‘Ipselenti’.
Typically, during the ‘Daedongje’ period, food trucks, photo booths, and festival booths are seen. These are organized by the president of the Student Union and the festival preparation committee, which invites external businesses. There is no official announcement regarding the budget needed for preparing celebrity stages or attracting booths. However, it is said that this year's cost of hiring celebrities was around 100 million won.
Starting with the first KU Festival on May 5, 1962, which opened a new chapter in Korean university culture with the participation of students, professors, alumni, parents, and local residents, this event period gathers all colleges, departments, and club activities. During this time, various events that showcase the intellect and romance of the university are held throughout the campus.
Unlike Daedongje, which is open to students from other universities, Ipselenti is a festival exclusively for Korean university students. Because it is intended for Korea University students, a ticket is required to enter, costing about 18,000 won. The revenue from ticket sales, combined with the budget provided by the university, is used to hire famous celebrities.
Unlike ‘Daedongje’, which takes place at the Minju Plaza of Korea University, Ipselenti is held at the Nokji Stadium on the hill. Approximately 20,000 people participate in ‘Ipselenti’, so you can see people lining up early in the morning.
Originally, university festivals were intended to commemorate students who were killed during the struggle against the military regime in the process of democratization in Korea and to enhance the participation consciousness of the living students.
Today, university festivals carry the significance of the entire student community coming together in May to celebrate unity and enjoyment with the spirit of 'coming together in a grand harmony'
A notable example is Korea University’s ‘Ipselenti’ and its counterpart, Yonsei University’s ‘Akaraka’.

Go out and explore any chance you get! After classes, my friends and I were quick to hop onto the metro to visit cafes and shops in different cities, karaoke, and engage in the vibrant nightlife. Be curious and approach all opportunities with an open mind, you won't regret it!