On February 25, 2026, Daejin University’s campus gymnasium was abuzz with excitement, music, and a sense of new beginnings as the university welcomed 1,864 new students for the 2026 academic year. The entrance ceremony, a cornerstone event for the university, unfolded with all the pomp and circumstance befitting such a milestone—guests, faculty, and proud parents watched as the incoming class officially joined the ranks of the Daejin family.
The ceremony opened with the entrance of distinguished guests, escorted by the university’s ROTC honor guard, setting a tone of respect and tradition. The event included a series of formal proceedings: the opening declaration, the national anthem, an academic report, and the official declaration of admission approval. Freshmen representatives read the freshman declaration, and scholarship certificates were awarded to outstanding new students. Adding a touch of festivity, students from the performing arts department staged a vibrant musical performance, brightening the atmosphere and reminding everyone that university life is as much about creativity and celebration as it is about academics.
Daejin University, founded in 1992, has grown over its 35-year history into one of northern Gyeonggi Province’s leading comprehensive universities. With a foundation built on the principles of "Sincerity, Reverence, and Faith," the institution now operates 10 colleges, 35 departments, and six faculties. It has produced more than 48,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to both regional talent development and national progress, according to Asia Economy and Gyeonggi News.
Recent years have seen Daejin University rack up a series of notable achievements. The university received an S grade in the university innovation support project performance evaluation—a prestigious mark of excellence. It was also selected for the Regional Innovation Center support system (RISE) project, which aims to strengthen ties between universities and their surrounding communities. Not stopping there, Daejin has expanded its educational infrastructure by launching a master’s program at its Graduate School of Medical Science, setting the stage for the next generation of medical professionals.
President Jang Seok-hwan, speaking to the assembled freshmen and their families, emphasized that in the rapidly changing era of the fourth industrial revolution, universities must do more than simply pass on knowledge. "The university is not just a place for delivering knowledge, but a place to nurture talents who will lead change," he stated. He urged students to approach their studies with joy, to embrace challenges without fear of failure, and to cultivate a spirit of communication, empathy, and consideration. "Daejin University will be a solid driving force so that your dreams become clearer and can be connected to the future," he promised, as reported by Asia Economy and Gyeonggi News.
Chairman Yoon Eun-do’s congratulatory message, read aloud by the secretary-general of the Baekhakmun Foundation, echoed these sentiments. He encouraged freshmen to embrace the founding spirit of the university—sincerity, reverence, and faith—as they embark on their academic journeys. He also urged them to discover their potential, not to fear challenges or failure, and to grow through self-reflection and community engagement.
Student well-being and support were also at the forefront of the day’s events. Before the formal ceremony, the Human Rights Center provided an orientation on human rights for all new students, ensuring they began their university life with a grounding in respect and dignity. In the afternoon, departmental sessions introduced professors and offered practical guidance on navigating university life. To foster a sense of belonging and community, the university provided a free lunch to all freshmen and their parents, while club performances and a guest singer’s congratulatory concert brought the festivities to a close in the evening.
But the day’s celebrations were only part of a bigger story. On the same day, Daejin University announced a major international achievement: it had been selected as an accredited institution under the Ministry of Education’s 2025 International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS). This four-year certification, running from March 2026 to February 2030, recognizes universities with outstanding capabilities in attracting and supporting foreign students. The IEQAS evaluates everything from student selection and academic management to support systems and the control of illegal stay rates. Accredited universities like Daejin receive not only official government recognition but also practical benefits, such as streamlined visa issuance for international students.
Daejin University’s commitment to internationalization is evident in its integrated management system for foreign students, which covers admissions, academics, and daily life. The university offers tailored support programs, including Korean language classes, tutoring, counseling, and adaptation programs, ensuring that foreign students feel at home and can thrive. The university has also expanded partnerships with sister universities abroad, developed joint curricula, and operated short-term exchange programs—all aimed at enhancing the quality of global education and strengthening international cooperation networks.
According to a university representative, "Being selected as an accredited university in the Ministry of Education's International Education Quality Assurance System is meaningful recognition of our internationalization capabilities and our excellence in managing foreign students." The representative added, "We will continue to strengthen the foundation for sustainable internationalization and create a multicultural, glocal campus where both foreign and domestic students grow together."
In another significant development, Daejin University was named the priority negotiation university for the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s "2026 Job First Step Guarantee Center" project. This initiative targets young people—current students, graduates, and local youth—who face challenges in preparing for employment. The center will offer integrated support, from customized counseling and capacity-building programs to employment linkage services, helping young people enter the labor market with confidence.
The selection reflects Daejin’s ongoing efforts to expand career and employment support infrastructure. The university’s Student Success Office has led the way with career design programs, practical employment training, and regional industry-linked initiatives. President Jang Seok-hwan remarked, "This selection is the result of our efforts to provide practical solutions for young people's futures. We will focus all our capabilities to help students take their first steps into society without worry." Student Success Office director Jang In-ho highlighted plans to actively identify "resting youth"—those who have paused their job search—and provide stepwise, customized programs for unemployed graduates and local youth who feel overwhelmed by job preparation. "We will systematically support local youth, beyond the university’s walls, so they can successfully enter and settle in the labor market," he said.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor will finalize detailed plans with selected universities and officially launch the project later in 2026. Daejin University, for its part, is determined to strengthen its role as a hub for youth employment support, reinforcing its commitment to both its students and the broader community.
As Daejin University looks ahead, its leadership is clear: invest in students, embrace internationalization, and serve as a bridge between education and employment. For the Class of 2026, the message is unmistakable—your journey begins here, and the university stands ready to help you realize your full potential.