Dongguk University WISE CAMPUS AIMS (ASEAN International Mobility for Students) invited exchange students achieved remarkable success at the '2025 International Smile Festa' held at Gyeongju Expo Park on Friday, September 19th.

The International Smile Festa 2025, co-hosted by the Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization and the Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, was organized in celebration of the upcoming APEC Summit. This flagship cultural exchange event brought together university students and youth from across the globe, including representatives from all 21 APEC member countries.

Five AIMS exchange students from the Philippines took the stage for the Global Smile Contest, presenting high-quality dance performance that captivated the audience and earned them the Grand Prize. Additionally, two exchange students from Indonesia operated a booth in the World Culture Promotion Hall, where they introduced Indonesian culture through traditional costume displays and interactive experiences, playing a key role in promoting intercultural understanding among attendees.

In addition to participating in cultural performances and operating experience booths, the students actively engaged in various festival events such as the K-POP Random Play Dance and an EDM party, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere that fostered meaningful global cultural exchange.

Through participation in this event, the AIMS students with a valuable opportunity to experience the rewards of international exchange firsthand. Moreover, their involvement served to highlight Dongguk University WISE CAMPUS’s commitment to global engagement and its growing impact in community-based international activities.

Meanwhile, This event was organized by the Campus Asia-AIMS Program of the Department of Hotel and Tourism Management at Dongguk University WISE CAMPUS, under the leadership of Professor Choi Jeong-ja. It was part of an ongoing exchange initiative aimed at enhancing students’ global competencies.