In Korea, the new school year begins in March, so most schools—from elementary through university—hold their graduation ceremonies in February. Universities often hold an additional ceremony in August ahead of the fall semester. Because these ceremonies take place when cosmos flowers are in bloom, they are sometimes referred to as “cosmos graduations.”
A Shared Celebration of Graduation
Graduation ceremonies in Korea are typically held in large spaces such as school auditoriums or athletic fields, where students, teachers, and families gather to celebrate together.
Middle and high school students usually attend in their school uniforms, while university graduates wear academic gowns and caps. After receiving their diplomas, graduates gather on the field or around campus to take photos with friends and family, toss their caps into the air, and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter together.
Celebrating Graduation with Jajangmyeon
Korean graduation culture also includes an interesting food tradition. In the past, families often gathered to eat jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) to celebrate a graduate’s achievement. At the time, jajangmyeon was considered a relatively expensive and special restaurant dish, making it a fitting choice for marking an important milestone such as graduation.
Today, celebrations may include a wider variety of foods, but enjoying jajangmyeon on graduation day remains a small yet meaningful tradition for many families.
Graduation Snap Photos: Capturing Memories in a Personal Way
In recent years, many university graduates in Korea have begun hiring professional photographers instead of relying solely on traditional graduation albums. Unlike formal, standardized portraits, these photo sessions allow graduates to capture natural and expressive moments in a style and concept of their choosing.
As a result, during graduation season it is common to see students around campus posing with bouquets, balloons, or small props, creating memorable photos that celebrate both the milestone and the friendships formed along the way.
What was your graduation day like?
Whether it was a special moment with family, memories shared with friends, or a unique tradition, we’d love to hear your story in the comments.
