University Mascots in 2023: New Names, New Designs

In 2023, universities kept naming mascots, reworking their designs and picking new mascots through contests. At graduation ceremonies, mascot dolls ended up in graduates' hands.

Daelim University, Daeungi Named Through a Contest

Daelim University held a character naming contest in June 2023. The contest was open to students and staff. Members of the school chose the character's name together. The name picked through the contest is Daeungi.

Kyung Hee University, Kuongi Dolls at Graduation

At Kyung Hee University, Kuongi mascot dolls became a popular must-have for 2023 graduation ceremonies. An August 2023 news report described the Kuongi doll as a graduation essential. This means students at graduation saw the mascot doll as something they had to have. Kyung Hee also has the Smiling Lion (character mark).

Hanyang University, HYlion and Hainari Renewed

Hanyang University renewed its signature characters HYlion and Hainari in 2023. The lion character HYlion went through version 2.0 in 2019 and got a new story and design in 2023. The school released applied artwork as PNG, SVG and AI files, and the two characters were used constantly on souvenirs and banners.

Korea Maritime & Ocean University, Contest Winner Haeyangi

Korea Maritime & Ocean University chose Haeyangi as the grand prize winner of its 2023 mascot design contest. Haeyangi is a mascot that represents a water drop. The school distributed Haeyangi's turnaround and applied poses. A turnaround is a drawing that shows a character from several angles.

Masan University, MU for 50 Years of the Cheongu Statue

Masan University introduced its mascot MU in 2023, the 50th anniversary of the Cheongu statue. The mascot was born in the same year the statue turned 50. The school also registered MU's copyright. Masan University also presents department mascots separate from the school mascot.

Names, Drawings and Dolls

The news from the five universities showed different ways of handling mascots. Daelim set a new name, and Hanyang set a new story and design. Korea Maritime & Ocean University and Masan University welcomed new mascots, and at Kyung Hee a mascot doll became a graduation keepsake.