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입학식

A2 noun #6,500 most common 9 min read

입학식

iphaksik Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 입학식 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 입학식 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '입학식' is a basic noun to learn when talking about school life. It means 'entrance ceremony.' You can think of it as the 'first day party' at a new school. In Korea, this happens in March. You use it with simple verbs like '가다' (go) or '있다' (to have/be). For example: '오늘 입학식이에요' (Today is the entrance ceremony). It is an important word because school is a common topic for beginners. You will see it in pictures of children with backpacks and flowers.

At the A2 level, you should know that '입학식' (entrance ceremony) is a formal event. You can combine it with specific school levels like '초등학교 입학식' (elementary school entrance ceremony) or '대학교 입학식' (university entrance ceremony). You should also be able to use particles correctly, such as '입학식에 가요' (I go to the ceremony) or '입학식이 재미있어요' (The ceremony is fun). You might also learn that parents and friends attend this event. It is a key term for describing personal milestones in simple past or future tenses.

At the B1 level, you can describe the activities that happen during an '입학식'. You might talk about the principal's speech (교장 선생님의 말씀), wearing a new uniform (새 교복을 입다), or taking photos (사진을 찍다). You can use more complex grammar like '입학식이 끝나고 나서...' (After the entrance ceremony ended...). You also start to understand the cultural context—that in Korea, the academic year starts in March, and the entrance ceremony is a major family event. You can express feelings about the ceremony, like being nervous (떨리다) or excited (설레다).

At the B2 level, you can discuss the social and institutional importance of the '입학식'. You might use it in the context of news reports or school announcements. You can handle more formal verbs like '개최하다' (to host/hold) or '참석하다' (to attend). You should be able to distinguish '입학식' from similar terms like '개학식' (opening ceremony) or '신입생 환영회' (welcome party). You can also discuss how ceremonies have changed, such as moving to '온라인 입학식' (online ceremonies) during the pandemic, and use appropriate conjunctions to link these ideas in a cohesive paragraph.

At the C1 level, you can analyze the '입학식' as a cultural ritual. You can discuss its role in fostering a sense of belonging (소속감) and the hierarchical structure of Korean schools (선배 and 후배 relationships). You can use academic vocabulary to describe the 'solemnity' (엄숙함) or the 'formality' (격식) of the event. You are comfortable using the word in complex sentence structures, including passive forms like '입학식이 거행되었다' (The entrance ceremony was solemnized/held). You can also write about the economic impact of '입학식' season on the retail and floral industries.

At the C2 level, '입학식' is a term you use with complete native-like nuance. You can discuss the philosophical implications of such rites of passage in East Asian societies. You might critique the traditional nature of these ceremonies or discuss their evolution in a modern, digitalized world. You can use the word in high-level literature, professional academic writing, or policy discussions regarding the school calendar. You understand all idiomatic uses and can use the word in metaphors about new beginnings and the cyclical nature of education and life.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

입학식 in 30 Seconds

A formal ceremony to welcome new students to a school.
Usually held in early March in South Korea.
A significant family milestone involving flowers and photos.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'attend' or 'be held'.

The Korean word 입학식 (ib-hak-sik) is a noun that specifically refers to an 'entrance ceremony' or 'matriculation ceremony.' In the context of Korean culture, this is not just a minor event; it is a significant milestone that marks the beginning of a new academic journey. Unlike many Western countries where the school year begins in August or September, the Korean academic year starts in early March. Therefore, the 입학식 is almost always associated with the crisp air of early spring and the symbolic start of a new life phase. It is held for every level of education, from kindergarten and elementary school to middle school, high school, and university.

Etymology: The word is composed of three Hanja (Chinese characters): 입 (入 - enter), 학 (學 - study/learning), and 식 (式 - ceremony). Literally, it translates to the 'ceremony of entering learning.'

내일은 우리 아들의 초등학교 입학식이에요. (Tomorrow is my son's elementary school entrance ceremony.)

During an 입학식, students typically gather in a large auditorium or the school gymnasium. For university students, it might even take place in a stadium. The ceremony usually involves a formal entrance by the new students, speeches by the principal or university president, the singing of the school song, and sometimes performances by senior students to welcome the newcomers. Parents and family members almost always attend, often bringing bouquets of flowers and taking numerous photos to commemorate the occasion. For elementary schoolers, it is common to see them wearing their new backpacks, often looking a bit nervous but excited.

Cultural Significance: In Korea's education-centric society, the entrance ceremony represents a transition into a higher level of responsibility. For high schoolers, it marks the start of three intense years of preparation for college entrance exams. For university students, it signifies the beginning of adulthood and independence.

대학교 입학식 때 친구들을 많이 사귀었어요. (I made many friends during the university entrance ceremony.)

The atmosphere of an 입학식 is generally solemn yet hopeful. It is a time for setting new goals and making resolutions. You will often hear the phrase '입학을 축하합니다' (Congratulations on your admission/entrance) during this time. The event serves as the official 'ice-breaker' before the rigorous academic schedule begins. In recent years, some schools have moved away from overly formal speeches to more creative and interactive ceremonies involving music and dance to reduce the students' anxiety.

Comparison: While '개학' (gae-hak) refers to the general 'starting of school' after a vacation, '입학' (ib-hak) specifically refers to entering a school for the very first time as a member of a new grade level or institution. Therefore, an 입학식 only happens once per school level.

입학식이 끝나고 가족들과 외식을 했어요. (After the entrance ceremony ended, I went out for a meal with my family.)

Using 입학식 correctly involves understanding the verbs it commonly pairs with. Since it is a noun representing an event, it often acts as the subject or the object of a sentence. The most frequent combination is with the verb 참석하다 (to attend) or 가다 (to go). For example, '입학식에 참석하다' means 'to attend the entrance ceremony.' Another common structure is using the verb 열리다 (to be held), as in '입학식이 강당에서 열립니다' (The entrance ceremony is being held in the auditorium).

Action Verbs: Common verbs: 참석하다 (attend), 보다 (watch/see), 준비하다 (prepare), 취소되다 (be cancelled), 연기되다 (be postponed).

부모님께서 제 입학식을 위해 꽃다발을 사 오셨어요. (My parents bought a bouquet for my entrance ceremony.)

When talking about the timing of the ceremony, you use the particle -에 to indicate 'at' or 'during.' For instance, '입학식에 늦지 마세요' (Don't be late for the entrance ceremony). If you want to describe the atmosphere or specific details of the ceremony, you can use adjectives. A 'solemn ceremony' would be '엄숙한 입학식,' while a 'joyful ceremony' would be '즐거운 입학식.' Because it is a formal event, the surrounding language often shifts toward a more formal or polite register (Hapsyo-che or Haeyo-che).

코로나 때문에 입학식이 온라인으로 진행되었습니다. (Due to COVID-19, the entrance ceremony was conducted online.)

In casual conversation, you might simply say '입학식 했어?' (Did you have your entrance ceremony?). In more descriptive contexts, you might hear about the '입학식 연설' (entrance ceremony speech) or '입학식 복장' (entrance ceremony attire). For many students, the 입학식 is the first time they wear their new school uniform (교복), which is a major point of pride and excitement in Korean school culture.

Sentence Patterns: [School Name] + [입학식]: e.g., 서울대학교 입학식 (Seoul National University Entrance Ceremony).
[Date] + [입학식]: e.g., 3월 2일 입학식 (March 2nd entrance ceremony).

이번 고등학교 입학식은 매우 감동적이었어요. (This high school entrance ceremony was very moving.)

You will encounter the word 입학식 most frequently in late February and early March. During this window, the word is everywhere: in news headlines, on school banners, in family group chats, and in retail advertisements. Department stores often have '입학식 세일' (Entrance Ceremony Sales) for suits, uniforms, and stationery. On television, news anchors report on the 'unique entrance ceremonies' happening across the country, such as those in small rural schools with only one or two new students, which are often portrayed with a sense of warmth and community.

In Media: K-Dramas and Webtoons: Many school-themed dramas start their first episode with an '입학식' scene. This is a classic trope used to introduce the main characters as they enter a new environment, often meeting their rivals or love interests for the first time.

뉴스에서 올해 입학식 풍경을 보도하고 있어요. (The news is reporting on the scenery of this year's entrance ceremonies.)

In a university setting, the 입학식 is often followed by 'OT' (Orientation) and 'MT' (Membership Training). You will hear upperclassmen (선배) talking about attending the entrance ceremony to scout for new juniors (후배) to join their clubs (동아리). On social media platforms like Instagram or KakaoTalk, March is flooded with photos of students holding their admission certificates or standing in front of school gates with the '입학식' banner in the background.

입학식 날 비가 와서 걱정이에요. (I'm worried because it's raining on the day of the entrance ceremony.)

At home, parents might discuss the logistics of the day: '누가 입학식에 갈 거야?' (Who is going to the entrance ceremony?). Grandparents might send money as an '입학 선물' (entrance gift). In schools, teachers spend weeks preparing the '입학식 순서지' (entrance ceremony program/order of events). If you are living in Korea during the spring, you will likely see flower shops bustling with people ordering '입학식 꽃다발' (entrance ceremony bouquets), which are typically bright and colorful to match the hopeful mood of the season.

Public Announcements: '신입생 여러분은 10시까지 강당으로 모여 입학식에 참석해 주시기 바랍니다.' (All new students, please gather in the auditorium by 10 AM to attend the entrance ceremony.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 입학식 (Entrance Ceremony) with 졸업식 (Graduation Ceremony). While both are formal school events, they happen at opposite ends of the academic cycle. In Korea, 졸업식 usually takes place in February, just a few weeks before the 입학식 in March. Another confusion arises with 개학식 (Opening Ceremony). While an 입학식 is specifically for 'new' students entering the school for the first time, a 개학식 is for all returning students starting a new semester.

Mistake: Using '입학' instead of '입학식': '입학' (Admission/Entry) is the act or status, while '입학식' is the event. You can't say '입학에 갔어요' (I went to the admission); you must say '입학식에 갔어요' (I went to the entrance ceremony).

❌ 졸업식 축하해! (Said to someone entering school)
✅ 입학식 축하해! (Congratulations on your entrance ceremony!)

Another subtle error is using the wrong particle with the verb 입학하다. While you attend an 입학식 (입학식에 참석하다), you enter a school (학교에 입학하다). Learners sometimes mix these up and say '입학식을 입학하다,' which is grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, when talking about the ceremony being 'held,' students might use '하다' (to do) instead of the more natural '열리다' (to be held) or '진행되다' (to be conducted) in formal contexts.

❌ 학교 입학식을 입학했어요.
✅ 학교 입학식에 갔어요. (I went to the school entrance ceremony.)

Finally, avoid using 입학식 for non-academic settings. For example, joining a gym or a club at a community center doesn't warrant an 입학식. Those are usually referred to as '오리엔테이션' (orientation) or simply '첫 모임' (first meeting). The word 입학식 carries a weight of institutional formality that is reserved for recognized educational institutions.

Common Confusion: 입학식 vs. 오리엔테이션: The '입학식' is the formal, ritualistic ceremony. '오리엔테이션' (OT) is the practical session where you learn about classes, schedules, and school rules. Often, they happen on the same day or consecutive days.

While 입학식 is the most common term for an entrance ceremony, there are several related words that cover different aspects of starting school or ceremonies in general. Understanding these can help you choose the most precise word for your situation. For instance, 개학식 (gae-hak-sik) is the ceremony for the start of a new semester for existing students. 졸업식 (jol-eop-sik) is the graduation ceremony, the direct counterpart to 입학식.

입학식 vs. 개학식: 입학식: For new students only (e.g., 1st graders). Marks the entry into a new school.
개학식: For all students. Marks the end of vacation and the start of classes.

우리 학교는 입학식과 개학식을 같은 날에 해요. (Our school has the entrance ceremony and the opening ceremony on the same day.)

In more modern or less formal settings, people might use 환영회 (hwan-yeong-hoe), which means 'welcome party' or 'reception.' While an 입학식 is a formal event organized by the school administration, a 신입생 환영회 (new student welcome party) is usually organized by senior students or clubs to welcome newcomers in a more relaxed atmosphere. Another term is 오리엔테이션 (orientation), often shortened to 'OT,' which focuses on providing information and facilitating socializing among new students.

입학식 대신 신입생 환영회를 열기로 했어요. (We decided to hold a new student welcome party instead of an entrance ceremony.)

If you want to talk about the 'ceremony' part more generally, the word 행사 (haeng-sa) means 'event' or 'function.' You could say '입학식 행사가 길어졌어요' (The entrance ceremony event became long). For a very grand or official ceremony, the word 기념식 (gi-nyeom-sik), meaning 'commemoration ceremony,' might be used, though this is rare for a standard school entrance. Lastly, 수료식 (su-ryo-sik) refers to a completion ceremony, often used for short-term courses or language programs rather than a full degree or school level.

Quick Comparison Table: - 입학식: Entrance (Formal)
- 개학식: Semester Start
- 졸업식: Graduation
- 환영회: Welcome Party (Informal)
- 수료식: Course Completion

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the past, Korean entrance ceremonies were much more rigid and military-like, but they have evolved into celebratory festivals.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ip.hak.ɕik/

US /ɪp.hɑk.sɪk/

The stress is relatively even across the three syllables, typical of Korean phonology.

Rhymes With

졸업식 (jol-eop-sik) 개학식 (gae-hak-sik) 취임식 (chwi-im-sik) 결혼식 (gyeol-hon-sik) 장례식 (jang-rye-sik) 수료식 (su-ryo-sik) 입사식 (ib-sa-sik) 기념식 (gi-nyeom-sik)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as three separate blocks without liaison (ip-hak-sik).
Over-aspirating the 'h' sound.
Forgetting the tense 's' sound in 'sik'.
Pronouncing 'ip' with a released 'p' like in English 'lip'.
Confusing the 'hak' sound with 'hag'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to common Hanja roots.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling of '입' and '학'.

Speaking 3/5

Liaison between 'p' and 'h' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very common in media during spring.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

학교 학생 공부 선생님 시작

Learn Next

졸업식 개학 방학 성적 시험

Advanced

matriculation convocation orientation induction rite of passage

Grammar to Know

Liaison (연음)

입학식 [이팍식]

Noun + 때 (During/At the time of)

입학식 때

Noun + 후에 (After)

입학식 후에

Honorifics -시-

오셨어요 (from 오다 + 시)

Passive -되다

취소되다 (to be cancelled)

Examples by Level

오늘 학교 입학식이에요.

Today is the school entrance ceremony.

Noun + 이에요 (to be)

입학식에 가요.

I go to the entrance ceremony.

Destination particle -에

입학식이 좋아요.

I like the entrance ceremony.

Subject particle -이

동생 입학식이에요.

It is my younger sibling's entrance ceremony.

Possessive relationship (implied)

입학식은 3월이에요.

The entrance ceremony is in March.

Topic particle -은

입학식에서 사진을 찍어요.

We take photos at the entrance ceremony.

Location of action -에서

입학식 선물이 뭐예요?

What is the entrance ceremony gift?

Interrogative 뭐예요

내일은 입학식 날이에요.

Tomorrow is the day of the entrance ceremony.

Noun modification with 날

대학교 입학식은 정말 커요.

The university entrance ceremony is really big.

Adverb 정말 + Adjective

부모님이 입학식에 오셨어요.

My parents came to the entrance ceremony.

Honorific verb 오셨다

입학식 때 새 가방을 멨어요.

I wore a new bag during the entrance ceremony.

Time particle -때

우리는 입학식 후에 피자를 먹었어요.

We ate pizza after the entrance ceremony.

After -후에

입학식에서 친구를 한 명 만났어요.

I met one friend at the entrance ceremony.

Counter -명

입학식이 언제 시작해요?

When does the entrance ceremony start?

Interrogative 언제

저는 입학식에서 노래를 불렀어요.

I sang a song at the entrance ceremony.

Irregular verb 부르다 (불렀어요)

꽃집에 입학식 꽃다발이 많아요.

There are many entrance ceremony bouquets at the flower shop.

Existential verb 있다

입학식이 시작되자마자 비가 내리기 시작했다.

As soon as the entrance ceremony started, it began to rain.

-자마자 (as soon as)

교장 선생님께서 입학식에서 좋은 말씀을 해주셨다.

The principal gave a good speech at the entrance ceremony.

Honorific -해주셨다

입학식에 가기 위해서 새 옷을 샀어요.

I bought new clothes in order to go to the entrance ceremony.

-기 위해서 (in order to)

입학식 날에는 학교 앞에 사람들이 아주 많아요.

On the day of the entrance ceremony, there are very many people in front of the school.

Locative -앞에

입학식이 생각보다 일찍 끝났어요.

The entrance ceremony ended earlier than I thought.

-보다 (comparison)

어렸을 때 입학식 사진을 보면 기분이 묘해요.

When I look at my childhood entrance ceremony photos, I feel strange.

Conditional -면

입학식은 새로운 시작을 의미합니다.

The entrance ceremony signifies a new beginning.

Formal ending -습니다

이번 입학식은 운동장에서 열릴 예정이에요.

This entrance ceremony is scheduled to be held on the playground.

Future plan -(으)ㄹ 예정

입학식에 참석한 학생들의 얼굴에는 설렘이 가득했다.

The faces of the students who attended the entrance ceremony were full of excitement.

Noun modification with -ㄴ

비대면 입학식이라서 친구들을 직접 만날 수 없었다.

Because it was a non-face-to-face entrance ceremony, I couldn't meet my friends in person.

Causal -(이)라서

입학식 준비로 선생님들은 며칠 동안 매우 바쁘셨다.

The teachers were very busy for several days preparing for the entrance ceremony.

Instrumental -로 (due to)

그는 입학식 대표로 신입생 선서를 했다.

He took the freshman oath as the representative at the entrance ceremony.

-로 (as a capacity)

입학식이 취소되었다는 소식을 듣고 실망했어요.

I was disappointed after hearing the news that the entrance ceremony had been cancelled.

Indirect speech -ㄴ다는

전통적인 입학식 대신 축제 형식으로 진행했다.

Instead of a traditional entrance ceremony, it was conducted in a festival format.

Instead of -대신

입학식은 단순히 행사일 뿐만 아니라 하나의 관문이다.

The entrance ceremony is not just an event, but also a gateway.

-ㄹ 뿐만 아니라

많은 대학들이 입학식 당일에 다양한 이벤트를 준비한다.

Many universities prepare various events on the day of the entrance ceremony.

Plural marker -들

입학식의 엄숙한 분위기는 신입생들에게 긴장감을 주었다.

The solemn atmosphere of the entrance ceremony gave the new students a sense of tension.

Abstract noun usage

입학식은 교육 공동체의 일원이 되었음을 선포하는 자리이다.

The entrance ceremony is a place to declare that one has become a member of the educational community.

Nominalization -었음

그 학교는 입학식 때마다 특별한 전통을 이어오고 있다.

That school has been continuing a special tradition every time there is an entrance ceremony.

Progressive aspect -어오고 있다

입학식 연설에서 총장은 창의적인 사고의 중요성을 강조했다.

In the entrance ceremony speech, the president emphasized the importance of creative thinking.

Formal subject 총장

시대가 변함에 따라 입학식의 풍경도 많이 달라졌다.

As the times change, the scenery of entrance ceremonies has also changed a lot.

-함에 따라 (in accordance with)

입학식은 학부모들에게 자녀의 성장을 실감하게 하는 계기가 된다.

The entrance ceremony serves as an opportunity for parents to realize their children's growth.

Causative -하게 하다

올해 입학식은 지역 사회와 함께하는 축제로 기획되었다.

This year's entrance ceremony was planned as a festival together with the local community.

Passive voice -되다

입학식에 임하는 학생들의 태도에서 진지함을 엿볼 수 있었다.

One could glimpse seriousness in the attitude of the students participating in the entrance ceremony.

-ㄹ 수 있었다 (ability/possibility)

입학식이라는 통과의례는 개인의 정체성 변화를 상징한다.

The rite of passage known as the entrance ceremony symbolizes a change in individual identity.

Appositive -이라는

형식적인 입학식에서 탈피하여 학생 중심의 문화를 조성해야 한다.

We must break away from formal entrance ceremonies and foster a student-centered culture.

-해야 한다 (necessity)

입학식은 단순한 시작을 넘어, 학문적 탐구에 대한 서약을 의미한다.

The entrance ceremony goes beyond a simple beginning; it signifies a pledge to academic inquiry.

-을 넘어 (beyond)

입학식의 변천사는 한국 근현대 교육사의 단면을 보여준다.

The history of entrance ceremonies shows a cross-section of modern and contemporary Korean educational history.

Sino-Korean compound words

정치적 격변기에도 입학식은 교육의 연속성을 유지하는 보루였다.

Even during periods of political upheaval, the entrance ceremony was a bulwark maintaining the continuity of education.

Metaphorical usage

입학식에서 울려 퍼지는 교가는 공동체의 결속력을 다지는 역할을 한다.

The school song echoing at the entrance ceremony serves to strengthen the solidarity of the community.

Modifier -는

디지털 전환 시대에 입학식의 본질적 가치에 대한 재고가 필요하다.

In the era of digital transformation, a reconsideration of the essential value of the entrance ceremony is necessary.

Abstract noun phrase

입학식의 화려함 이면에 존재하는 교육 격차의 문제를 간과해서는 안 된다.

We must not overlook the issue of educational inequality that exists behind the splendor of entrance ceremonies.

-해서는 안 된다 (prohibition)

Synonyms

개학식 신입생 환영회 오리엔테이션 취임식 입사식 입소식 수료식 행사

Antonyms

졸업식 퇴학 종강 폐교

Common Collocations

입학식을 열다

입학식에 참석하다

입학식 연설

입학식 꽃다발

입학식 복장

입학식이 열리다

비대면 입학식

입학식 기념사진

입학식 대표

입학식 날

Common Phrases

입학식을 거행하다

— To hold or solemnize an entrance ceremony (very formal).

제50회 입학식을 거행하겠습니다.

입학식을 축하하다

— To congratulate someone on their entrance ceremony.

조카의 입학식을 진심으로 축하합니다.

입학식에 늦다

— To be late for the entrance ceremony.

입학식에 늦어서 뒤에 서 있었어요.

입학식 순서

— The order of events/program for the entrance ceremony.

입학식 순서를 확인해 보세요.

입학식 장소

— The venue of the entrance ceremony.

입학식 장소는 학교 체육관입니다.

입학식 선물

— A gift given to celebrate starting school.

입학식 선물로 노트북을 받았어요.

입학식 분위기

— The atmosphere of the entrance ceremony.

입학식 분위기가 아주 밝고 좋네요.

입학식 사진

— Photos taken during the entrance ceremony.

입학식 사진을 SNS에 올렸어요.

입학식 취소

— Cancellation of the entrance ceremony.

폭설로 인해 입학식 취소 결정이 내려졌다.

입학식 준비물

— Things to prepare for the entrance ceremony.

입학식 준비물을 꼼꼼히 챙겼어요.

Often Confused With

입학식 vs 졸업식

Graduation ceremony. It happens at the end, while 입학식 is at the beginning.

입학식 vs 개학식

Opening ceremony for the whole school. 입학식 is specifically for new students.

입학식 vs 입사식

Entrance ceremony for a company, not a school.

Idioms & Expressions

"입학식 날이 장날이다"

— Used when an unexpected event happens on the day of the ceremony (play on a common idiom).

입학식 날에 갑자기 눈이 오다니, 날이 장날이네.

Informal

"새 신을 신고 뛰어보자"

— Often associated with the feeling of starting school (from a children's song).

입학식 날 아이들이 새 신을 신고 뛰어보자며 좋아해요.

Child-friendly

"첫 단추를 잘 끼우다"

— To get off to a good start (often said regarding the entrance ceremony).

입학식은 학교 생활의 첫 단추를 끼우는 날입니다.

Metaphorical

"꽃길만 걷자"

— Wishing someone only good things (common on entrance ceremony banners).

입학을 축하해! 앞으로 꽃길만 걷자.

Slang/Trendy

"병아리 신입생"

— Referring to cute new elementary students (like little chicks).

노란 가방을 멘 병아리 신입생들이 입학식에 모였어요.

Informal

"새 술은 새 부대에"

— New wine in new bottles (starting fresh at a new school).

입학식을 맞이해 새 술은 새 부대에 담는 마음으로 시작합시다.

Formal/Literary

"문턱을 넘다"

— To cross the threshold (symbolically entering the school).

드디어 대학교 입학식 문턱을 넘게 되었네요.

Literary

"눈도장을 찍다"

— To make one's presence known (common goal for new students at a ceremony).

입학식에서 선생님께 눈도장을 찍으려고 노력했어요.

Informal

"발을 들이다"

— To set foot in (starting the journey at a new institution).

학교에 첫 발을 들이는 입학식 날은 잊을 수 없어요.

Neutral

"기지개를 켜다"

— To stretch (starting activities after a long winter break).

입학식과 함께 학교가 다시 기지개를 켭니다.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

입학식 vs 입학

Act vs. Event

입학 is the noun for 'admission'. 입학식 is the 'ceremony'.

입학을 축하해! vs 입학식에 가자.

입학식 vs 신입생

Person vs. Event

신입생 is the 'new student'. 입학식 is the 'ceremony' for them.

신입생들이 입학식에 모였다.

입학식 vs 오리엔테이션

Purpose

OT is for information/socializing. 입학식 is for formal ritual.

입학식 후에 오리엔테이션이 있어요.

입학식 vs 수료식

Ending

수료식 is for finishing a short course. 입학식 is for starting a school level.

언어연수 수료식을 했다.

입학식 vs 개교기념일

School Holiday

This is the school's anniversary, not the entrance day.

개교기념일이라 학교에 안 가요.

Sentence Patterns

오늘은 [Noun]이에요.

오늘은 입학식이에요.

[Noun]에 가요.

입학식에 가요.

[Noun] 때 [Verb].

입학식 때 사진을 찍었어요.

[Noun] 후에 [Verb].

입학식 후에 밥을 먹었어요.

[Noun]이/가 열리다.

입학식이 강당에서 열려요.

[Noun]에 참석하다.

부모님께서 입학식에 참석하셨어요.

[Noun]을/를 거행하다.

학교는 입학식을 거행했습니다.

[Noun]의 의의.

입학식의 의의를 되새겨 봅시다.

Word Family

Nouns

입학 (admission)

입학생 (new student)

학식 (school cafeteria food - slang/coincidence)

식순 (program order)

Verbs

입학하다 (to enter school)

입학시키다 (to admit/enroll someone)

Adjectives

입학할 (to be entered - future participle)

학교 (school)

신입생 (freshman)

교복 (uniform)

가방 (bag)

공부 (study)

How to Use It

frequency

High (seasonal in March)

Common Mistakes

Using '입학식' for a company entry. → 입사식
Schools use 입학, companies use 입사.
Saying '입학식을 입학하다'. → 입학식에 가다 / 학교에 입학하다
You attend the ceremony, you enter the school.
Spelling it as '이팍식'. → 입학식
The spelling follows Hanja, not just the sound.
Confusing it with '개학식'. → 입학식
If you are a NEW student, it's 입학식.
Using '입학식' for a wedding. → 결혼식
The suffix '식' is the same, but the root must match the event.

Tips

Spring Vibe

Associate 입학식 with cherry blossoms and the start of spring in Korea.

Correct Verb

Use '참석하다' for attending to sound more natural.

Hanja Roots

Remember '입' means enter. You'll see it in '입구' (entrance) too.

Liaison

Don't be surprised if you hear '이팍식' [i-pak-sik].

Congratulating

Say '입학을 축하해' to a friend starting school.

Photo Op

Imagine the classic photo in front of the school gate.

School Levels

Add '초등', '중', '고', or '대' before it for specificity.

Spelling

Check the 'ㅂ' in '입' carefully.

Politeness

Use honorifics when talking about a teacher's speech at the ceremony.

vs. Graduation

Always remember: 입학식 (March) vs. 졸업식 (February).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IP' (Internet Protocol) entering a 'HAK' (hack) 'SIK' (sick) ceremony. You 'enter' the school to 'hack' the 'sick' knowledge!

Visual Association

Visualize a child in a yellow uniform holding a bouquet of flowers in front of a big school gate with a banner.

Word Web

School March Flowers Uniform Principal Freshman Speech Auditorium

Challenge

Try to write a diary entry about your own first day of school using the word '입학식' three times.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters (Hanja).

Original meaning: The ceremony of entering an institution for learning.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be mindful that '입학식' can be a stressful time for students due to the high academic expectations in Korea.

Unlike the US or UK where 'orientation' is more common, Korea places a higher emphasis on the formal 'ceremony' aspect.

School 2013 (Drama): Features scenes of school ceremonies. Reply 1988 (Drama): Shows the nostalgic 80s style of entrance ceremonies. Sky Castle (Drama): Highlights the intense pressure starting from the entrance ceremony.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home with family

입학식에 누가 가?
입학식 옷 준비했어?
입학식 끝나고 뭐 먹을까?
입학식 사진 찍어줄게.

At school

입학식은 강당에서 합니다.
입학식 순서를 확인하세요.
입학식 때 신입생 선서가 있어요.
입학식 예행연습을 합시다.

In a flower shop

입학식 꽃다발 추천해 주세요.
입학식용으로 예쁘게 만들어 주세요.
입학식 날 배달 가능한가요?
이 꽃다발 입학식에 잘 어울려요.

In news/media

전국 학교에서 입학식이 열렸습니다.
이색 입학식이 눈길을 끕니다.
올해 입학식은 온라인으로 대체됩니다.
입학식 풍경이 달라지고 있습니다.

Among friends

너네 입학식 재미있었어?
입학식 때 친구 많이 사귀었어?
입학식 연설 진짜 졸렸어.
입학식 끝나고 놀러 가자.

Conversation Starters

"이번 대학교 입학식에 부모님도 오셔?"

"입학식 때 입을 옷 샀어?"

"너 초등학교 입학식 때 기억나?"

"입학식에서 가장 기억에 남는 장면이 뭐야?"

"우리 학교 입학식은 왜 이렇게 일찍 시작해?"

Journal Prompts

나의 첫 대학교 입학식에 대한 느낌을 써보세요.

입학식 날 부모님께 드리고 싶은 말을 적어보세요.

만약 내가 입학식에서 연설을 한다면 어떤 말을 하고 싶나요?

가장 기억에 남는 입학식 선물은 무엇인가요?

입학식과 졸업식 중 어느 것이 더 설레나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is almost always on March 2nd. If that's a weekend, it moves to Monday.

Yes, it is very common for parents and even grandparents to attend, especially for elementary school.

Students wear their new school uniforms. Parents usually wear business casual or formal attire.

Usually not at the school, but families often go out for a special meal like Jajangmyeon or meat afterward.

It usually lasts about one to two hours, depending on the school level.

Yes, for companies it is called '입사식'.

Yes, and they are often very large and include performances by the school's cheering squad or clubs.

Stationery, backpacks, laptops, or money are popular gifts.

The word itself is neutral, but the event it describes is formal.

No, it's reserved for entering an academic institution for a long-term period.