"Start the new semester strong—eat our rice cakes and become great people."

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) received a strong response when, on March 6, 2012, at 8:00 a.m., President Seo Geoseok and administrative officers welcomed arriving students by handing out rice cakes and beverages.

The opening event is held annually to encourage students beginning the new semester and to provide an opportunity to foster unity through communication among all members.

Amid the exchanges of rice cakes and beverages, warm smiles bloomed across JBNU that morning, as warmly as the approaching spring day.

Lee Hye-rim, a second-year student in Social Welfare, who accepted a rice cake and beverage that morning, said, "I am very proud of our university, where every year around exam periods and at the start of the new semester the president and administrative faculty personally come out like this to encourage students," adding, "As I begin the new semester, I feel I can take pride as a JBNU student and look forward to an energetic and enjoyable university life."

President Seo Geoseok said, "I wanted to greet students by shaking hands and making eye contact to convey the spirit of starting the new semester energetically," and added, "I will strive to communicate with members in various ways to further develop JBNU."