Le Khanh Huyen Reporter

Kookmin University (KMU) boasts a vibrant university life with a wide range of student clubs that bring the campus to life. These clubs play a crucial role in shaping the university experience, offering students the chance to explore new interests and make lasting connections. A club festival was successfully held last Sep.4 and 5 with hundreds of KMU students participating. In case you missed it, let’s explore, with THE KOOKMIN REVIEW, some of the most exciting clubs at KMU that are certain to capture the interest of international students.

KMU has about 70 student clubs, which are divided into seven main types: performing arts (16), culture and volunteering (11), exhibition arts (five), religion (eight), ball sports and recreation (13), martial arts and physical fitness (five), and academic (11). Most club rooms are located on the first and second floors of the Student Union.

1. BUSTA

• The Central Street Dance Club, Busta, which has been active since 2000, is made up of a group of students who are interested in street dance. The club offers classes on different street dance styles and takes part in school festival performances, regular shows, and dance competitions. In addition, members enjoy informal dance competitions and battles in the club room, engaging in a wide range of activities throughout the semester.

• Recruitment: Aug.12 to Sep.13
• Both international and exchange students can apply.

2. CHORUS

• Chorus is a popular choir club with a strong presence in both the school and on social media. Every November, they hold a performance in collaboration with a renowned conductor to create an enjoyable experience for the audience. If you are looking to be a part of a lively university community, interact with students from various departments, and perform on a big stage, then Chorus is the perfect club for you.

• Recruitment: Aug.1 to Sep.30
• International students can apply (exchange students excluded).

3. KMU CAT

• KMU Cat is a cat care club that has gained significant recognition at KMU since its establishment eight years ago. Have you spotted the cats while strolling around campus? If you have not seen them yet, consider joining the club, as you are likely to encounter them soon. This club looks after the cats, unofficial mascots of KMU, ensuring their welfare and overseeing their communal living spaces. With around 3,300 followers on Instagram, the club boasts a strong fan base.

• Recruitment: Sep.1 to 8 (first round)
• Both international and exchange students can apply.

4. KOOKMIN CALLIGRAPHY CLUB

• The Kookmin Calligraphy Club, established in 1974, is dedicated to promoting and exchanging calligraphy. Calligraphy, which is the art of writing with a brush, originated in China and later spread to Korea and Japan. It is recognized not only as an art form but also as a means of spiritual cultivation. The club hosts regular practice sessions every week and displays members’ calligraphy works in an exhibition at the end of each semester.

• Recruitment: No deadline
• Both international and exchange students can apply.

5. TAERANG

• Founded in 1993, Taerang is a Taekwondo club that practices the traditional martial art developed in modern South Korea. Taekwondo uses hand and foot techniques for both attack and defense and is renowned for its kicking skills. The club holds regular Taekwondo practice sessions throughout the semester and participates in exchange events and competitions with other universities. In 2023, Taerang competed in the Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships and the Korea University Taekwondo Club Association's Championships, winning numerous medals.

• Recruitment: No deadline
• Both international and exchange students can apply.

6. PROMETHEUS

• Prometheus is a multicultural exchange club that has been focused on promoting interaction among foreign students and learning second languages since 1986. The club brings together KMU students from various countries to share their cultures with Korean students. Prometheus holds general meetings at the beginning and end of each semester as well as team-building retreats (MT). Throughout the semester, members split into small groups to travel around Seoul and nearby areas.

• Recruitment: Aug.28 to Sep.6
• Both international and exchange students can apply.

While academic achievement is important in university life, participating in school activities also plays a vital role in shaping a well-rounded educational experience. For international students, joining clubs is an excellent way to deepen their understanding of the host culture and form meaningful connections. For more information about clubs, please visit KMU Club Association.

lekhanhhuyen03@kookmin.ac.kr