[Arariyo]
Arariyo, a student pungmul band focusing on learning and playing Korean traditional musical instruments, was founded 30 years ago in 1986. The band performs regularly, including at the saeteo (freshmen orientation) performance, a parade at the sabal drinking ceremony, binary performance and the summer concert.
Its main value lies in promoting fellowship among its members. While learning how to play musical instruments and practicing for performances, the band members naturally get acquainted with each other. After practice, upperclassmen treat underclassmen to a meal, building close relationships among them. More chances await you to get to know band members and make friends. For example, at an inauguration ceremony and freshmen welcoming reception, you can have the chance to meet older students – some of whom entered the university in 1986.
In Arariyo, you can learn how fascinating the Korean traditional musical instruments are, make friends and meet older students who are willing to help you throughout your college years.
Arariyo members call themselves a family. They are proud to say that Arariyo boasts the most intense relationships among members compared to any other student club in the Department of Spanish Language and Literature.
[Caballero]
Caballero is a Korea University student soccer club. Most of its members are from the Department of Spanish Language and Literature, but students from other majors can join too. On Saturdays or Sundays, they have practice matches and later a meal together. Regardless of age, all of its members from freshmen to founding members – who entered the university in 2003 – are very close to each other. Every year, they participate in tournaments hosted by the College of Liberal Arts, Korea University and the KU president, demonstrating great performances. In 2015, they won the College of Liberal Arts Soccer Tournament without a single loss.
[Declaración]
Declaración is a student a cappella club boasting 30 years of history since 1986. Initially, it was a student activist group dedicated to social movements during the period of political and social turmoil in Korea. Currently, it is a student club which focuses on singing as a hobby and on building friendships. Its name, Declaración, meaning declaration in Spanish, comes from its beginnings.
When you hear the word a cappella you may think of calm and religious melodies. However, a cappella in recent times has expanded to mean all songs without instrumental accompaniment. A cappella features music made by the human voice or hands. Recently, a cappella has gained more attention from the public due to the popularity of the musical comedy film “Pitch Perfect” and a cappella group Pentatonix. From calm ballads to funky dance music, a cappella can be applied to any musical genre.
Even though Declaración is an a cappella group, you do not need to be a good singer to join. Singing practices are not difficult or burdensome. Once you are appointed a part befitting your voice and tone--whether it is soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass or beatboxing--experienced club members will help you learn your parts. In the process, you can build a close relationship with them and make friends. In addition, given the nature of a cappella, which values harmony more than solo singing, its members naturally unite in solidarity.
Club activities are mainly composed of practices and performances. Its annual performance schedule consists of three performances; a performance at the sabal drinking ceremony, a summer concert and the saeteo (freshmen orientation) performance. Members have plenty of time to practice before each performance so there is a minimum of pressure. Everyone in the club enjoys practicing in a free and amicable atmosphere. After all, fun is what they are seeking, and singing is the medium.
[Pasión]
Pasión, which means passion in Spanish, is a drama society in the Department of Spanish Language and Literature at Korea University which stages a play from Spain or Latin America every September. Since its foundation in 1986, it has staged 19 plays, including its 19th performance in 2015 – Morir o No. Drama club members take various roles such as actor, director, producer, set designer and subtitles.
Pasión stages plays written and performed in Spanish. By doing so, it not only represents the distinctive feature of the Department of Spanish Language and Literature but also promotes interest from club members in the major. Club members were honored to have employees from the embassies of Spain and Ecuador in Seoul as their guests at the 2015 performance. Since then, they have continued language and cultural exchanges with those embassies. In November 2015, they were invited to a Latin American culture festival--Hello! ALBA – Latin America!--by the embassies of Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia. The drama club has continued its communications with the Ecuadoran embassy in Seoul, which has recommended novels and plays from Ecuador for its annual performances.
In addition, Pasión promotes friendship and unity among students not only from the Department of Spanish Language and Literature but from other Korea University departments as some of its members are double or dual majoring in Spanish. By helping each other, members find their school life more meaningful and rewarding. Seon-wook Kim from Dramaturg teaches acting and provides assistance with rehearsals. Professors from the Department of Spanish Language and Literature have a great interest in supporting members and their preparations. Pasión redoubles its efforts when it comes to creating relationships with organizations or institutions outside the university. In December 2015, Pasión attended a regular performance by ARTE, a drama club from the Department of Spanish Language at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. The purpose of the visit was to promote mutual development between Pasión and student drama clubs from other universities. Pasión will continue its endeavors to extend the spectrum of its exchanges with other institutions.