Seoul National University hosted an elaborate event on a sunny Saturday in April, where, for once, the parents were the center of attention.

The event was planned in hopes of demonstrating the diverse intellectual opportunities and depth of culture provided by the university as well as to encourage the parents to express their opinions on the visions of the university. Over 3000 parents came to visit the school their children are currently attending.

Parents were given the chance to see the main buildings of SNU including the Central Library, Museum of Art, Kyujanggak, and SNU Museum. Kyujanggak displayed its Masterpiece Collection which included documentary heritage which has been added the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. After touring the engaging campus, parents expressed how impressed they were by the richness of culture provided for the students at SNU.

"It was a wonderful feeling to be invited to the school my child is attending," said Jungseung Kim, the parent of a student in the College of Art.

"I believe I can trust Seoul National University to offer my child nothing but the best," said the parent of a student in the Department of Statistics.

The festive morning ceremony was held for the16 colleges of SNU, at which professors, and also the dean, met with parents.

A gala concert given by the College of Music in the University Cultural Center followed the morning ceremony. Parents filed into the building, proudly displaying their flower pins that had been given to them as a token of appreciation at the morning ceremony. The concert was conducted by Professor Docki Kim, and performed by the SNU Philharmonic Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, and Vocal Choir. Professors Juyoung Baek and Jonghwa Park of the Department of Instrumental Music and a gayageum ensemble also added to the exquisite harmony. Afterwards, parents were presented with a book from the 'Books Recommended for Parents' collection published by SNU Press.

President Jangmoo Lee expressed his goal to"provide the students with creative as well as innovative education that will serve to generate true leaders who have the capacity to contribute to society." He urged the parents to remain interested in the university and continue to give their support.

Jeongjae Lee, dean of the Office of Student Affairs, recounted the responsibilities SNU has as a national university and added that he hoped"to expand the ceremony into an event that not only honors the parents of SNU students but all the Korean people."

May 16, 2008
SNU PR Office
Written by Sooyeon Oh and Brett Johnson