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Incoming freshmen at Dongguk University take the stage, unmasked, to make a pledge at a welcome ceremony held at Jangchung Arena, in downtown Seoul, on Feb. 21. (Kim Hye-yun/The Hankyoreh)

Dongguk University held a matriculation ceremony for incoming freshmen for the 2023 school year at Jangchung Arena, in downtown Seoul, on Tuesday morning.

Representatives of the freshman class took the stage, unmasked, to make a pledge at the ceremony, which was the first to be held in person in four years, since 2019.

At the same time, the freshmen in the audience viewed the proceedings with their masks on in line with school guidance. Administrators had asked students to cover their faces if possible so as to keep each other safe.

Aside from public transit and a few other locations, indoor mask-wearing has been optional in South Korea since Jan. 30, when the government lifted the requirement.

A welcome ceremony for incoming freshmen at Dongguk University takes place at Jangchung Arena, in downtown Seoul, on Feb. 21. (Kim Hye-yun/The Hankyoreh)

The ceremony on Tuesday was attended by current students, some of whom were carrying banners representing their colleges. That contrasts with previous in-person events, which were only attended by a few students, not to mention the events held online over the past three years.

The crowd at the arena overflowed the seats prepared by the university, and some of the attendees had to sit in the aisles or remain standing.

A selection of photos from the ceremony can be viewed below.

A welcome ceremony for incoming freshmen at Dongguk University takes place at Jangchung Arena, in downtown Seoul, on Feb. 21. (Kim Hye-yun/The Hankyoreh)

A welcome ceremony for incoming freshmen at Dongguk University takes place at Jangchung Arena, in downtown Seoul, on Feb. 21. (Kim Hye-yun/The Hankyoreh)

Incoming freshmen at Dongguk University take the stage, unmasked, to make a pledge at a welcome ceremony held at Jangchung Arena, in downtown Seoul, on Feb. 21. (Kim Hye-yun/The Hankyoreh)

By Kim Hye-yun, staff reporter

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]