University's 'art competition' draws thousands

/ Yonhap

• Published Oct 17, 2014 5:03 PM KST
• Updated Oct 17, 2014 5:03 PM KST

A special admissions test administered by Hanyang University’s arts department drew thousands of applicants to COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in southern Seoul this month.

Over 3,200 students flooded to the convention center for a chance to be selected for 15 spots in program’s incoming freshman class.

The school said it adopted the unconventional admissions procedure because it wanted to open the program to everyone, regardless of their previous academic record or awards.

The tests, held earlier this month over two days, required the students to create pieces on the spot.

Some said the sight of so many students competing for only a few spots was indicative of Korea’s overheated education environment.

"This makes me want to vomit," a netizen posted on Facebook. "I am preparing for the arts department myself and this is terrible."