Caps, flowers, and farewells in February commencement

Graduates toss their caps into the air during a commencement ceremony at Yonsei University’s Sinchon campus in Seodaemun District Seoul Feb 232026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun — Graduates toss their caps into the air during a commencement ceremony at Yonsei University’s Sinchon campus in Seodaemun District, Seoul, Feb. 23.2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) -Commencement season has returned. On Sunday, a degree conferment ceremony for February 2026 graduates was held at the open-air amphitheater on the Sinchon campus of Yonsei University.
A total of 5,597 students received degrees, including 2,839 undergraduates, 2,252 master’s students and 506 doctoral candidates.

Wearing academic gowns and caps, graduates gathered under clear winter skies, marking the formal end of their academic journey. Family members and friends filled the surrounding seats, offering applause, cheers and words of encouragement.

Across the venue, crowds paused for photographs. Bouquets were exchanged, and small groups formed around graduates posing in front of campus landmarks. Some parents adjusted gowns and collars, while classmates compared schedules and future plans.

The ceremony combined formality with personal moments. As names were called and degrees awarded, students stepped forward one by one, crossing from years of study into professional and personal independence.

For many, the event marked both a conclusion and a transition — the end of campus life and the beginning of new careers, further studies or overseas opportunities.

A degree conferment ceremony for February 2026 graduates is underway at the open-air amphitheater of Yonsei University’s Sinchon campus in Seodaemun District Seoul Feb 23 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun — A degree conferment ceremony for February 2026 graduates is underway at the open-air amphitheater of Yonsei University’s Sinchon campus in Seodaemun District, Seoul, Feb. 23. 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Crowds gather during a degree conferment ceremony for February 2026 graduates at Yonsei University’s Sinchon campus in Seodaemun District Seoul Feb 23 2026 AJP Yoo Na-hyun — Crowds gather during a degree conferment ceremony for February 2026 graduates at Yonsei University’s Sinchon campus in Seodaemun District, Seoul, Feb. 23. 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Yoo Na-hyun

Caps, flowers, and farewells in February commencement

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