The SNU student dormitory, Gwanaksa, has been evolving into something more than a residential complex - it is now also serving as a cultural gathering space for both students and the local community. As the level of lecturers and artists being invited on stage for the 'Gwanaksa Colloquiums' and 'Open Concerts' is getting higher each time around, the interest and participation in Gwanaksa events from both on and off campus are increasing in tandem. This is notable since the events were originally planned for the purpose of encouraging and enabling Gwanaksa residents to make good use of their leisure time.

Last May, Gwanaksa held the 'Gwanak District Open Concerts', an extension of the Gwanaksa Concerts which have been held since 2006. Fitting to its title, many local residents of the district were present at this concert, and the event held a full house that night. SNU students responded to such a high level of participation and warm support from the community with a magnificent musical gala performance.

Two hundred were present at Gwanaksa Sarang-chae (reception room) to attend the regularly scheduled concert for last month, gathered for a night filled with classical music. In response to such enthusiasm, Gwanaksa scheduled a Korean traditional music concert for its next event.

Professor KIM Rando of SNU's Department of Human Ecology, who has become 'the mentor' of university students and youth nationally with his book 'It Hurts Because You're Young', advised students to"make their own brand name during their university years" at the 26th Gwanaksa Colloquium. Approximately 550 students came to hear Professor Kim speak, filling up Gaon Hall completely with some even standing or sitting on the floor.

One dormitory resident of Gwanaksa who participated in this last colloquium sent his impressions of Professor Kim's lecture, saying that"It felt like the professor was directing his comments especially to me when he advised us to grow up and make good use of time," and expressed his appreciation in general for the Gwanaksa cultural events.

Written by KIM Eun Young, SNU English Editor, eykim09@gmail.com   ?
Proofread by Brett Johnson, SNU English Editor