As summer approached and the campus entered its most vibrant season, the 2025 Spring Festival of Dongguk University returned in full force. Held from May 27th to 29th under the theme “DIRVANA: Effortless Nirvana,” the festival embraced the spirit of “The more you empty, the freer you become,” capturing the essence of Buddhist philosophy and self-liberation. Inspired by the university’s heritage and values, the event invited students to pause, reflect, and find lightness amid the heaviness of academic demands. It was a time not only to unwind, but to reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with the joy of simply being present in the moment.
Energy and unity shine at Dongguk’s spring festival
On Wednesday, May 28th, Car, the Garden, NCT DREAM, Crush, and Beenzino delivered dynamic performances on the main stage, drawing an enthusiastic crowd that filled the campus with electric energy. From soulful ballads to high-energy pop and hip-hop, the performances catered to a wide range of musical tastes.
On Thursday, May 29th, the momentum continued with powerful acts by KISS OF LIFE, Dynamic Duo, Younha, and CNBLUE. The second night brought a sense of emotional depth and musical diversity, with each artist leaving a distinct impression. The audience responded with cheers, light sticks, and sing-alongs, creating a concer- like atmosphere across campus that echoed with excitement and connection. These headline perfor mances were complemented by a vibrant mix of stages hosted by central clubs, academic societies, and the Baeksang cheerleading team. From live band performances and dance showcases to cultural exhibitions and game events, student-led acts offered a platform for creativity and participation beyond the spotlight of celebrity performers.
These performances ref lected the diversity and passion within Dongguk’s st udent com munit y, reminding attendees that the spirit of the festival extended far beyond the headliners.
The festival was not confined to the stage. It radiated outward across the entire campus, transforming it into a dynamic celebration zone. Booths organized by various colleges and student organizations lined Paljeondo, Manhae Square, and other prominent locations, offering an array of food, beverages, handmade goods, photo zones, and interactive experiences. Students browsed, snacked, laughed, and engaged with their peers in a festive atmosphere that blurred the line between entertainment and student connection.
Altogether, this year’s Daedongje not only showcased star-studded performances and student talent, but also brought the campus community together in an unforgettable celebration. It was a vivid reminder of what makes university life special—shared experiences, collective joy, and moments of connection that transcend the daily routine. Through music, creativity, and fellowship, the festival rekindled a sense of belonging and pride that will resonate with students long after the final encore.
Nirvana 2025: A festival of renewal and unity
This year’s festival saw the Dongguk University Festival Planning Committee take a more innovative and student-centered approach to communication. To ensure wider reach and real-time updates, the committee launched a dedicated Instagram account, which served as the primary channel for delivering key announcements. Through this platform, students were informed about various aspects of the festival—including the operation of the barrier-free zone, details of the flea market near Paljeondo, festival rules and regulations, and introductions to the organizing staff. The visually engaging and accessible nature of the platform helped boost student engagement and participation across all festival events.
In a further step toward modernization and eff iciency, the committee introduced the official festival website, DIRVANA. The site functioned as a digital hub, allowing students to easily access information about each booth, including its location, content, and time schedule. In addition, the reservation system built into the website enabled smoother crowd management and allowed students to plan their festival visits in advance—an especially welcome feature in a packed, multi- day schedule. These efforts contributed to a more convenient, structured, and inclusive festival environment.
This year’s spring festival was particularly meaningful as it marked the first large-scale campus event organized by the newly inaugurated student council. Tasked with setting the tone for a new chapter in student leadership, the council embraced the opportunity to engage the student body in creative and symbolic ways. As a gesture of renewal and unity, they produced limited-edition baseball jerseys emblazoned with custom designs. Available for pre-order between April 23rd and 27th, the jerseys quickly gained popularity and became a visible marker of campus spirit. Students donning the jerseys throughout the festival grounds helped create a sense of cohesion, turning the attire into more than just clothing—it became a shared emblem of participation and pride.
In addition to the jerseys, this year’s Daedongje merchandise collection featured thoughtfully designed items such as colorful bandanas, lotus-themed wristbands, and tattoo stickers, each reflecting elements of school identity and festival aesthetics. While a portion of these goods was made available for on-site purchase, the majority sold out quickly due to overwhelming demand. The rapid sell-out not only reflected students’ excitement for the event but also demonstrated the growing importance of festival culture as a channel for self-expression and collective identity.
Altogether, the planning, execution, and response to this year’s spring festival underscored a broader shift in how student events are designed and experienced—more interactive, inclusive, and representative of the student voice. This Nirvana festival was more than just a lineup of performances and booths, but a thoughtfully curated experience that celebrated student initiative, creativity, and the enduring sense of community at Dongguk University.
In every sense, this year’s spring festival stood as a powerful expression of student creativity, leadership, and unity. From its thoughtfully chosen theme to its dynamic performances, digital innovations, and symbolic merchandise, the festival redefined what campus celebrations can look like in a rapidly changing university landscape. It was not just an event—it was a platform where students could share their voices, showcase their talents, and explore new forms of connection. More than offering momentary entertainment, the festival provided a renewed sense of purpose and belonging in an era when student engagement is often challenged. It proved that when a community comes together with intention, imagination, and heart, even a brief moment of celebration can leave a lasting mark on campus culture and collective memory.