Coming-of-Age Ceremony Held by the School of Global Convergence
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2025-05-23
"As I come of age today, I sincerely and solemnly pledge to be grateful for the grace of my parents who made this day possible, and to fulfill my duties as a mature global citizen."
A student, dressed beautifully in a crimson skirt and light green jeogori (traditional Korean top), read the pledge aloud in a slightly unsteady but confident voice. The speaker was Saw Thinsa Kin, a student from Myanmar. As other international students coming of age placed their right hands over their hearts and recited the pledge, applause broke out from those around them.
On Monday, May 19, in celebration of ‘Coming-of-Age Day’, the Division of Global Convergence held a ‘Coming-of-Age Ceremony’ for international students at the Han Sang-eun Lounge in the Centennial Hall. Students of various nationalities — including Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan — took part in the event.
The ‘Coming-of-Age Ceremony’ is a rite of passage that reminds young adults of their social responsibilities and duties as they enter adulthood. To help the international students at Sookmyung experience Korean culture firsthand, the Division of Global Convergence at Sookmyung Women’s University, which is dedicated to international students, developed a customized scenario based on traditional etiquette texts and organized the ceremony with guidance from the Korean Etiquette Institute.
As Professor Kim Kyung-ah, head of the Division of Global Convergence, declared the beginning of the ceremony, students dressed in traditional hanbok entered the hall one by one. President Moon Si-yeun, serving as the honored guest, presided over the name-asking ritual, a symbolic step in the process. Saw Thinsa Kin, a student from Myanmar, read the ‘Coming-of-Age Pledge’ on behalf of the participants.
Next, a tea ceremony was held to reflect the spirit of humility and respect, symbolizing the cultivation of a mature character. Students drank tea using a special tea bowl called “Bodeumi,” which is held with both hands to express warmth and mutual care. The Bodeumi, embodying restrained beauty, was personally provided by its creator, Professor Jeong Dong-joo, adding special meaning to the ceremony.
The Division of Global Convergence also prepared a personalized gift for each participant — a traditional Korean courtesy name (ho, 號), chosen based on the student’s birth date and time, and imbued with auspicious meaning. Dean Moon Hyung-nam of the College of Global Convergence called each student to the stage and presented them with a scroll bearing their ‘ho’. In addition, Professor Bi Lip, a special appointee at the College, handed out roses and congratulatory gifts to the students.
President Moon Si-yeun, serving as the honorary guest, remarked during the ceremony, “Coming of age means taking responsibility for your own life, showing consideration for others, and committing to live as a mature member of a larger community.” She added, “I hope you will take responsibility for your thoughts, words, and actions, and live your lives with integrity and wisdom.”
Professor Kim Joong-seop, Distinguished Chair Professor at the College of Global Convergence, stated in his congratulatory speech, “I have spent over 40 years working alongside international students, but I’ve never seen an event as beautiful and meaningful as this one.” He continued, “To all of you who have left your home countries and are pursuing your academic dreams in Korea, I hope you will envision a bright future here at Sookmyung Women’s University.”
On this day, the students who had truly come of age enjoyed the ‘Coming-of-Age Ceremony’ with bright smiles, making it a memorable and special occasion. Zue Line Moe, a student from Myanmar, shared, “I really love wearing hanbok--when I first came to Korea, I wore one at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Being able to wear hanbok again and spend time together on such a special day at Sookmyung makes this an unforgettable experience.”
Pham Khanh Luyen, a student from Vietnam, said, “I will strive to become a more responsible adult.” Watchiraphon Hanjarat, a student from Thailand, added, “I’ll reflect on the mindset I had when I first came to Sookmyung Women’s University and work harder to become someone who can contribute to society.”
