A Study on the Necessity of Coming-of-Age Ceremonies in Contemporary Society : Proposals for Character Education Programs Fostering Responsibility

This study aims to explore whether gwanrye (冠禮), the traditional Korean coming-of-age ceremony, retains its social significance in modern society by analyzing university students’ perceptions and attitudes toward adulthood. A survey was conducted with 144 university students to examine their recognition of coming-of-age rituals and to derive directions for their contemporary reconstruction. The results reveal that although students are legally adults, many do not perceive themselves as emotionally or socially mature. More than half of the respondents indicated uncertainty or denial when asked whether they felt like adults, suggesting the need for a formal, communal event that affirms their adult status. Notably, “a sense of responsibility” was cited by 61.8% of respondents as the most important value associated with adulthood, highlighting the need for inner maturity beyond physical and legal growth. However, 88.5% of respondents expressed a negative view of holding formal coming-of-age ceremonies, indicating a diminished interest in traditional rituals. This gap in perception suggests that such ceremonies, if to be revitalized, must be transformed into practical educational opportunities. Accordingly, this study proposes a restructured model of the comingof- age ceremony as a platform for character development, including: (1) education on responsibility and rights, (2) experiential programs promoting independence, (3) workshops and mentoring for identity formation, (4) community engagement for social maturity, and (5) financial literacy training for economic autonomy. Through such an educational reinterpretation, the coming-of-age ceremony can move beyond a symbolic ritual to become a meaningful rite of passage that supports the growth of young adults in today’s society. study aims to provide practical directions for future program improvements. By doing so, it intends to contribute to strengthening the connection between the university’s general education and major education programs.