Studying abroad at the University of Utah Asia Campus comes with so many unique experiences that go beyond the classroom. From exploring Korea to meeting people from all over the world, every semester is filled with moments that make your time here unforgettable.
One of those moments is the Letterman Jacket Ceremony, an event that brings students together to celebrate school pride, community, and their time at the Asia Campus. While letterman jackets may be familiar to some students from the United States, experiencing this tradition in Korea adds a completely new meaning to them.
The Event and What It Represents
The Letterman Jacket Ceremony is not just about receiving a jacket. It is a moment where students come together, take photos, and celebrate their time at the Asia Campus. It feels even more special knowing that the jackets are given to freshmen for free through generous support.
For many students, the jacket symbolizes more than school spirit. It becomes something tied to their study abroad experience and the memories they make while living in Korea. Unlike a typical school item, it becomes something tied to a unique time in your life.
As Lucas Anderson, a psychology major from the Class of 2029, shared, “The jacket means that I will be able to show my U Asia Campus pride even when I’m back in Utah.”
Letterman Jackets in the US vs Korea
Letterman jackets have different meanings depending on where you are. In the United States, they are most commonly associated with high school and are often connected to sports teams. In college, they are less common and usually still tied to athletics.
In Korea, however, a similar concept exists through 과잠 (gwajam), also known as department jackets. These are typically worn by university students rather than high school students and represent academic identity instead of sports. Students often have their names engraved on the jackets, along with their department and graduation year, making them more personalized.
There are also differences in design. In the US, letterman jackets often include patches that represent achievements, while in Korea, 과잠 (gwajam) usually do not include patches and instead focus on simpler designs with names and school affiliations.
A Unique Experience at U Asia Campus
What makes the Asia Campus Letterman Jacket Ceremony special is how it blends both cultures. It takes the idea of an American letterman jacket and combines it with the significance of Korean 과잠 (gwajam).
Because of this, the jacket becomes something that represents being part of U Asia Campus specifically, not just a school in the US or Korea. It reflects the unique experience of studying abroad and being part of an international campus.
For many students, it also symbolizes their hard work and achievements. Hyun Do Kwan, a Film and Media Arts major and freshman, shared, “The jacket means a lot to me because I worked hard to be in this university, and I feel very honored to receive the jacket. I guess it’s monumental for me as it represents being in a university and seeing my hard work pay off.”
Student Experiences and Reactions
The event itself is also a memorable experience for students. From taking photos to celebrating with friends, it creates moments that students will remember long after the semester ends.
For some students, the experience is also different from anything they’ve had before. Chesney Simmons, a Film and Media Arts sophomore, shared, “We had them for like some of our clubs in high school, but they weren’t that prestigious.”
These different perspectives show how the meaning of the jacket can vary, but for many, it becomes something that represents both personal achievement and shared experiences.
Conclusion
The Letterman Jacket Ceremony at U Asia Campus is more than just an event. It is a moment that brings students together and represents their time spent studying abroad in Korea.
Many of the experiences students have while living at U Asia Campus become memories that last beyond the semester. Whether it is worn on campus or back home in Salt Lake City, the jacket serves as a lasting reminder of the friendships and experiences that define the study abroad journey.
– Written by Lillianna Martinescu, Spring 2026 Communications Intern at Marketing & Communications Center, University of Utah Asia Campus (Reviewed & edited by Yoonji Kim, Senior Communications Specialist, University of Utah Asia Campus)
