On May 27, the Department of Service Management (Korean Track) under the School of Global Studies at Korea Aerospace University hosted the 1st Korean Speech Contest in Room 108 of the Research Building. The event was designed to give international students an opportunity to showcase their Korean language skills and share their cultural perspectives in a natural setting, while also strengthening their sense of belonging within the department.

A total of 55 students participated in the event, which was themed “KAUSM World Tour by Air”. They were divided into six teams and delivered Korean-language presentations on a variety of topics. In addition to the speeches, the event featured a rich lineup of performances, including a collaborative opening by Professor Eunjeong Lim, head of the program, and the KAUAO Orchestra. Other highlights included a traditional Chinese dance, contemporary dance, vocal performances, an aviation safety demonstration, and a runway-style fashion show.

On stage, students shared their career aspirations, study abroad experiences, and life in Korea — all in Korean. One participant said, “I want to grow into a talented professional for the aviation industry,” and added, “Although I was accepted into a university in China, I chose to study in Korea to gain more specialized knowledge and global competitiveness.” Rather than simply demonstrating their language skills, the students delivered heartfelt and personal stories that resonated with the audience.

 Many participants admitted that this was their first time taking part in a department event or directly interacting with professors, and initially found it unfamiliar. “In China, we rarely have opportunities to communicate directly with professors or join department-led events, so it felt awkward at first,” some students shared. “But as we prepared for the contest, we gradually became more engaged and were able to truly feel a sense of belonging within the academic community.”

In preparation for the event, professors and instructors provided students with detailed guidance, often staying late to help refine their presentations. The students, meanwhile, balanced their speech preparation with various performances, participating in multiple rehearsals. On the day of the event, the stage design, presentation content, and performance quality were all delivered at a high level, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Professor Sugyeong Lee, head of the Service Management program, remarked, “This event served as a starting point for building stronger connections among our students and shaping a unique culture and identity for the program.” She added, “We will continue to develop specialized programs that reflect cultural diversity, so that international students can take a more active role in department activities and grow through these experiences.”