International and Korean Students Participate Together in Traditional Coming-of-Age Rituals, Gwanrye and Gyerye, Marking Coming-of-Age Day

“Reflecting on the Meaning of Roles and Responsibilities as Members of Society … A Truly Special Experience During Study in Korea”

YU Expands Programs for International Students’ Cultural Understanding and Campus Adaptation … “High Satisfaction among International Students”

[May 12, 2026]

<International students participating in the traditional Korean coming-of-age ritual “Gyerye”>

 YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held a traditional coming-of-age ceremony, “Gwanrye and Gyerye,” with international students ahead of Korea’s Coming-of-Age Day (the third Monday of May each year), vividly sharing the meaning and spirit of Korean culture. 

 Hosted by the YU Museum, the “2026 Traditional Gwanrye and Gyerye Ceremony with International Students” took place from 10 a.m. to noon on May 11 at Gugye Confucian Academy in the university’s Folk Village. International students and Korean students participated together in the traditional coming-of-age ceremony. Dressed neatly in hanbok, the participants personally experienced Korean traditional etiquette and values through the rituals, while also using the occasion as an opportunity for students from different cultural backgrounds to interact and build mutual understanding beyond a simple cultural experience.

 The event began with Gyerye, the traditional coming-of-age ceremony for women, followed by Gwanrye, the ceremony for men. During Gyerye, participants styled their hair into a traditional bun and inserted a binyeo hairpin, symbolizing entry into adulthood. During Gwanrye, participants wore the traditional topknot hairstyle and ceremonial headgear, reflecting on the responsibilities and roles expected of adult members of society.

 Gwanrye and Gyerye are representative coming-of-age rituals that have been passed down since the Joseon Dynasty. More than formal ceremonies, they carry the deeper meaning of emphasizing personal independence and social responsibility. By allowing international students to directly experience these traditional rites, YU has continued the annual program to deepen understanding of Korean culture and provide students with memorable experiences during their study abroad life in Korea.

<International students participating in the traditional Korean coming-of-age ritual “Gwanrye”>

 Hossain Farhana Bint, a second-year Biotechnology student from Bangladesh who participated in the Gyerye ceremony, shared her thoughts, saying, “I had long been interested in Korea’s traditional coming-of-age ceremony, so it was very meaningful and exciting to participate in it myself. Wearing hanbok and preparing my hair while experiencing the traditional rituals left a strong impression on me, and it helped me gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture. I would like to express my gratitude to YU for providing such a valuable opportunity.”

 Ismatov Gulom, a fourth-year student in the School of Economics and Finance from Uzbekistan, said, “Experiencing Korea’s traditional coming-of-age ceremony firsthand gave me an opportunity to deeply reflect on the meaning of becoming an adult. It was a valuable experience that helped me better understand Korean culture. In particular, the Gwanrye ceremony strongly conveyed the meaning of becoming a responsible member of society. I think it will remain one of the most special memories of my study abroad life in Korea.”

 Meanwhile, YU has continued to hold traditional coming-of-age ceremonies with international students every year in celebration of Coming-of-Age Day, striving to promote Korean traditional culture and expand international cultural exchange. Through a variety of cultural experience programs, the university has also supported international students in understanding and adapting to Korean society.

<Commemorative group photo from the 2026 Gwanrye and Gyerye Ceremony with International Students at YU>