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KU Crimson Center attracts visitors

Writer : KU Today
Hits : 10297
Date : 2016-04-12

ENGRAVE/Crimson Center

KU Crimson Center attracts visitors

크림슨라운지

With the official welcome center operating inside,
Crimson Center becomes a new gateway to the university.

크림슨센터 바닥

Since it opened its doors to the public last September, the Crimson Center has attracted many visitors to the university. At the center, people are fascinated by the variety of souvenirs the university offers.

넥타이

01_ Necktie with patterns of plum blossom, KU logo, and letters from a poem representing the university

While other universities sell typical kinds of souvenirs, such as university badges, T-shirts, mugs, and key holders with their university identities (UI) on them, Korea University prepares a wide range of products; from golf balls, backpacks, neckties, scarves, and pencil cases engraved with mother-of-pearl to bottles of sesame oil and wine.

티셔츠

02_ KU T-shirts in different versions

Needless to say, the Crimson Center plays a pivotal role in marketing the souvenirs and promoting their sales. What’s worthy of attention are products made by young entrepreneurs who are currently studying at or graduated from the university.

For example, undergraduate students from the School of Art & Design are granted a chance to present their paper toy product, called a paper mechanic, to the public for the first time. It would have been difficult for them to launch their products without support from the Business Incubation Center run by the Korea University Research and Business Foundation. B-squared (B2), a social enterprise founded by KU students, sells its products, such as pencil cases and accessories, at the center.

The company is famous for transforming broken baseball bats into new products. The Crimson Line, a brand launched by the KU Design Innovation Center, also offers creative and unique products such as hand-made mugs and moneyboxes.

크림슨센터

04_ At the center, visitors can have a chance to learn the identity of Korea University.

Along with the souvenir shop, the Crimson Center houses the university’s official welcome center, which provides first-time visitors with the most updated and accurate information about the university. A big, multi-vision screen plays the university’s video clips, while different types of brochures are displayed. Visitors can join the welcome tour program by reservation. For those who prefer looking around the university on their own, the welcome center provides free campus maps and recommends the best tour routes.

페이퍼메카닉

05_ Paper mechanic, a paper toy based on mechanical engineering principles

부러진방망이를재활용한비스퀘어드제품들

06_ Products made by B-squared are upcycled from broken baseball bats

낱개자석

07_ Magnetics are one of the most popular items.

다기세트

08_ Tea set engraved with the KU logo

“Visitors fall in love with KU during the tour.”

민정희

Jeong-hui Min, Student Ambassador Yeoul

(’14, School of Media & Communication)

Q. Can you describe your job?

During the business hours, I stay here at the center and take charge of the welcome tour. The tour is scheduled eight times a day. For those who want to join the tour, they can make a reservation in advance, or simply come to the center at least five minutes before the tour starts.

I show them around the university and give them detailed information. On weekdays, most of visitors are middle- or high-school students who are curious about the entrance examination, departments, curriculum, and future careers. On weekends, families or alumni often visit the university. The tour is also available in English at 4 o’clock, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Q. Can you recall some of the reactions from the visitors?

I remember that I received a lot of questions from middle- or high-school students who had already set their goals and aimed to enter a specific department of the university. Alumni were happy when they found the school hadn’t changed much since they left, while they were amazed by new developments. In most cases, visitors are people who love the university from their heart.

I can still vividly remember the day I guided a teacher who hid in one of university buildings during the Korean War. As soon as he looked around the campus, he was deeply moved and burst into tears at the end.

Q. What are the most popular souvenirs?

Clothing items are very popular among families. We have our clothes in various sizes; from kids to adults, so it is easy for family members to choose the same clothes in different sizes. Students, on the other hand, go for stationaries or university badges. Whichever items they choose, visitors are very satisfied with the variety of products we offer.

Q. When do you feel most rewarded working as a welcome tour guide?

Since I am currently a student here at KU, I am always happy to meet people who show their love towards the university. The most rewarding moment, though, is when those who didn’t know much about KU or have been nonchalant to the university become interested in it after the tour program. As a student ambassador, nothing makes me more proud than promoting my alma mater.

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