Korea University (KU) boasts a reputation for its unique and fierce cheering culture in South Korea. The university’s national reputation has earned it the position of hosting the International Winter Campus (IWC) program for students around the world to learn about both KU and Korea. The program first came to be in 2016, but it was only in 2021 that the university implemented an extra section on KU’s cheering culture where foreigners can participate in various activities to learn how KU students support their university.

The IWC program takes place between December and January, explaining both the rich history and deep culture of the Korean peninsula as well as KU traditions for international students that are interested in studying in South Korea. Students from various backgrounds participating in the IWC program had the opportunity to join in the 2021-2022 Tiger Pride program, which taught students the main hymn and choreography of KU cheering songs as well as the history of the Annual Ko-Yon Games.

Because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), KU has been trying to expand its online activities, especially for foreign students. Its international initiative to start these programs demonstrates KU’s willingness to do anything to preserve its rich traditions. In the past, it used to host huge face-to-face events like Ipsilenti – Jiya Hamsung, where K-pop singers would unite all students in a concert hall; however, due to the pandemic, it has been forced to change its directions. Yet, programs as such allow KU students to continue showing other people the importance of alma mater cheering through various songs and dances.

GT has interviewed a three-year veteran member of KU’s Cheerleaders, Woo Yoon-gyoon (20’, Chemical and Biological Engineering), who has given his thoughts on this program.

GT: What makes KU’s cheering culture different, full of passion, and interesting for its students?

Woo: KU’s cheering culture is filled with passion because of its rivalry with Yonsei University. It hosts rival sports games called the Annual Ko-Yon Games every fall, a representative event of both schools. In addition, we have similar cheering cultures and joint matches, which fuels competition and a desire to be the best. This feeling is mutual, so students from both schools support their respective schools through songs and dance movements.

GT: What do you think of international students learning about the choreography and lyrics of KU’s cheerleading songs?

Woo: I think our university’s cheering culture is very effective when it comes to forming solidarity among students. Currently, due to the COVID-19 situation, there are not many opportunities to meet foreign students. However, if events related to the cheering culture are held face-to-face, international students will be able to learn how to support the school like their Korean counterparts. They will be able to sing and cheer together with the same movements, which will be more fun.