Jointly Hosted with the Alumni Association for the First Time in Three Years, Marking a Symbolic New Beginning Uniting the University and Alumni Community

“Cheonma Family” Comes Together in Grand Unity While Touring Major Campus Landmarks Including Cheonma Honors Park and the LEE Jong-woo Science Library

Trekking, Hands-On Activities, Performances, and Photo Zones Transform the Entire Campus into an Interactive Festival

[May 18, 2026]

 Under the warm spring sunshine of May, the “Cheonma Family” came together as one.YU, its General Alumni Association, and members of the “Cheonma Family” spanning multiple generations walked the same path together, reconnecting shared memories while pledging a new future. The event, jointly organized by YU and the Alumni Association for the first time since April 2023, was more than a one-time gathering—it marked a new starting point for YU’s next great leap forward.

 YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held the “2026 Cheonma Family Campus Trekking” event on May 16 at the Gyeongsan Campus in collaboration with the General Alumni Association (President JUNG Tae-il). Approximately 2,000 participants, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their families, joined the event, walking together across campus and strengthening bonds of solidarity and unity more deeply than ever before.

 Despite the early weekend morning, participants began arriving on campus in small groups shortly after 8 a.m. The registration area, which opened at 8:30 a.m., was filled with lively greetings exchanged among alumni reuniting after a long time, creating an atmosphere brimming with excitement and anticipation. 

 At 10 a.m., participants completed light warm-up exercises before setting off energetically on the campus trekking course, cheered on by a traditional Korean percussion troupe.Starting from the soccer field next to the university’s main gate, Cheonma Jimun Gate, participants followed Cheonma Boulevard along an approximately 4-kilometer route passing major campus landmarks including the Cheonma Art Center, the LEE Jong-woo Science Library, Mirror Pond, the Folk Village, Cheonma Honors Park, and the Central Library before returning to the soccer field. Alumni visiting their alma mater after many years reminisced about their student days as they walked through campus while expressing admiration for its newly transformed scenery and renewed pride in their university.

The trekking event drew particular attention for going beyond a simple walk by incorporating a variety of interactive programs throughout the campus. At Mirror Pond, snacks were provided so participants could relax and enjoy a brief rest, while various events and performances held along the trekking route added excitement to the experience. 

 The Folk Village area, one of the campus’s most distinctive spaces, became one of the liveliest spots of the day. A traditional-style “Jumak Village” tavern area was operated, and busking performances created the atmosphere of a small festival. Participants enjoyed food while watching performances and naturally engaged in conversation and fellowship with one another.

 The photo zones also received enthusiastic responses. At photo zones set up in the Folk Village, in front of the Main Building, and at Cheonma Honors Park, participants could take commemorative photos with the university mascot “Puruma.” Members of the student ambassador group “Yeongdae Sarang” used instant cameras to take photographs and hand them out on-site, creating special memories for participants. Smiles spread across participants’ faces as they received their photos, making the day even more memorable for families attending together.

 Cheonma Honors Park emerged as the most popular location during the trekking event. Alongside busking performances, a treasure hunt event was held, and a coffee truck provided refreshments, allowing participants to pause, relax, and enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of the campus. The combination of performances and relaxation amid nature further heightened the enjoyment of participants spending their holiday morning on campus.

 Following the morning trekking schedule, the afternoon program featured the “Eoulim Event,” beginning with an opening performance of “Daebuk Nanta” drumming. Student cheerleading squads, dance clubs, and international students presented performances they had prepared themselves, energizing the atmosphere. In addition, alumna BAE Kyung-sook performed traditional folk songs, while YU alumnus and renowned “street vocalist” NOH Hee-seop, director of the INSIEM Arts Corporation, and soprano NOH Hye-jin presented a father-daughter duet classical performance, creating a stage that transcended generations and genres alike. In particular, the “Unity Tug-of-War,” joined by members of the Cheonma Family together, became one of the symbolic highlights of the event. Professors, staff members, students, and alumni joining forces as one team vividly demonstrated the spirit of “One YU.”

 Alumni Association President JUNG Tae-il stated in his opening remarks, “It fills my heart with pride to see alumni gathered together on this beautiful and magnificent alma mater campus, walking and laughing together. I sincerely thank President CHOI Oe-chool and all university members for creating such a wonderful event in such a short period of time.” He added, “Next year marks the meaningful occasion of YU’s 80th anniversary. I believe our alma mater can grow even greater when the hearts of our 290,000 alumni unite as one. I ask for the continued interest and support of all alumni.” He continued, “I hope this trekking event becomes a day for creating cherished memories on campus and deepening friendships among alumni.”

 In his welcoming remarks, President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “The world is changing rapidly. The era of academic pedigree is fading, and an era in which people are evaluated by their capabilities has arrived. In this age of advanced science, where artificial intelligence surpasses human abilities, how we utilize these technologies will determine the future competitiveness of individuals and organizations.” He continued, “Amid these changes, YU is preparing for a new leap forward under the slogan, ‘Eyes Toward the Future, Challenges Toward the World.’ YU possesses the finest campus in Korea. Just as the 290,000 alumni who grew through this campus have played pivotal roles in the development of Korea, I am confident that the younger generations studying here will also strengthen both mind and body, build their capabilities, and write a new chapter of history.” He added, “Our university will do its utmost to cultivate talent that enhances the dignity of Korea and contributes to the prosperity of humanity. As a university that opens pathways for future generations, we will further solidify YU’s standing on the global stage.” He concluded by saying, “All members of the university will work together with one heart and one purpose. I ask alumni for your unwavering interest and warm encouragement.”

 HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation, stated in her congratulatory remarks, “I sincerely thank Alumni Association President JUNG Tae-il, President CHOI Oe-chool, and all members of the Cheonma Family who worked hard to prepare this wonderful event of harmony where the Cheonma Family could unite on our beautiful campus in May. Today’s trekking event is an especially meaningful and precious opportunity to reaffirm that we are all one Cheonma Family.” She added, “No matter the circumstances, the Cheonma Family will continue to trust, respect, and cooperate with one another.” She continued, “I hope everyone can set aside the busyness of daily life for today, walk together around this beautiful campus, exchange warm greetings, and create many cherished memories. Every step you take today will become a great force in building the bright future of YU.”