Daejeon, South Korea – Bringing together diverse cultures and shared youthful passion, nine universities across the Daejeon and Chungcheong regions successfully hosted the "2026 International Students' Harmony Festival" on November 7 at the KT Human Resources Development Institute Indoor Gymnasium.

Hosted by the Daejeon Metropolitan City Social Service Agency and organized by the Daejeon Foreign Resident Integration Support Center, the event was designed to help international students build a sense of belonging and pride, foster cross-cultural exchanges, and support their smooth adaptation and stable settlement in Daejeon—a city known for its welcoming environment for global students.

A Gathering of 900 Students from 40+ Countries

The vibrant festival drew approximately 900 participants, including international students representing over 40 nationalities and university officials from nine regional institutions:

Chungnam National University
Hanbat National University
Hannam University
Daejeon University
Woosong University
Mokwon University
Paichai University
Joongbu University
Konyang University
Program Highlights

The lively event featured a dynamic lineup of programs, kicking off with an opening ceremony, followed by cultural experience booths, team sports competitions, a talent show, and an awards ceremony.

Participants engaged in six energetic team-building games—such as the "Wind Special Forces," the "Cloud Bridge and Pipeline Relay," and a "Mission Dash." Later, student representatives from each university took the stage for a dazzling talent show, showcasing their hidden skills and celebrating their unity. Despite diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, students cheered one another on to secure team victories, sharing the boundless passion of youth across borders.

Strengthening Daejeon's Global Appeal

A representative from Daejeon Metropolitan City emphasized the city's ongoing commitment to international students, stating, "We hope this Harmony Festival serves as a cornerstone for international students to successfully settle in Daejeon. Moving forward, we will continue expanding diverse support programs—such as cultural immersion experiences and local corporate-linked employment and startup initiatives—while actively nurturing this festival into a premier event where global youth can connect."

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