Hi kcampers! As my time as a University Ambassador comes to an end, I want to share a story about a cultural phenomenon in South Korea that may seem ordinary to us but is quite unique on a global scale. South Korea is currently a divided nation, facing ongoing tension with North Korea. Due to this reality, the South Korean government enforces mandatory military service for its male citizens. For South Korean men, especially university students, military service is an unavoidable reality in their twenties and a duty that everyone must fulfill equally.

With a high university enrollment rate among young people, military service has become an integral part of the university experience in South Korea. When South Korean men turn 20, they undergo a physical examination conducted by the Military Manpower Administration. They visit regional offices to receive this examination and are assigned a physical grade. Those classified between grades 1 to 3 serve as active-duty soldiers, while grades 4 and 5 fulfill their duty in other public institutions or are exempt from service altogether.

Nowadays, male university students typically enlist after their second year. Enlisting after the first year seems too early to enjoy their youth, and waiting beyond the second year leaves them feeling unprepared for future studies and career planning. I also enlisted after my second-year first semester, which was considered relatively early. Most universities offer a military leave system, allowing students to take a leave of absence during their 18 months of service. During their time in the military, many university students take MOOC courses to earn credits and pursue various certifications to prepare for their future.