The Catholic University of Korea (CUK) is unveiling its new academic gowns in celebration of its 170th anniversary.

This renewal was more than just a quest for a trendier look. It was a journey to weave the essence of CUK—its identity and core values—into a single garment. At the heart of this project was Designer Lie Sang Bong.

Renowned for translating traditional symbols into a contemporary language, Lie Sang Bong has reinterpreted the symbolism of Catholic tradition and the dignity of academic regalia through a modern lens. Rather than simply replicating the past, he captured authority through a "restrained aesthetic," reshaping traditional Catholic vestments into modern silhouettes.

How has the gown we will wear on graduation day changed? Let’s explore how 170 years of history have been tailored into these new robes.

CUK: A Gown Designed Around Three Core Values

The new regalia is built upon three keywords: CREDO, UNITY, and KNOWLEDGE.

• CREDO (Faith)
  The primary challenge was how to naturally incorporate the university's founding philosophy. Instead of placing crosses or religious patterns front and center, the "Catholic identity" is subtly dissolved into the silhouette, drawing inspiration from the form and spirit of traditional Catholic vestments. It is a quiet yet clear expression of faith.

• UNITY (Community)
  The academic hierarchy—from Bachelor’s to Master’s, Doctoral, and Honorary Doctoral/Official gowns—represents a continuous journey of growth within one community. The design ensures a seamless flow rather than a visual break. While the basic structure remains consistent, details and embellishments are added at each level to visually represent growth within the community.

• KNOWLEDGE (Intellect)
  The overall silhouette focuses on verticality and refined linear structures. By stripping away unnecessary ornaments and letting the seam lines, paneling, and color blocking act as symbols themselves, the design embodies the solemnity and intellectual authority of academia. "Restraint" was the guiding principle for even the invisible details.

Colors that Speak for CUK

In this redesign, color itself serves as a message.

Rather than creating harsh contrasts, these colors harmonize to create a palette that encompasses the past, present, and future.

"The Dove of the Holy Spirit" in the Sleeves

One of the most striking details is the sleeve design, inspired by the wings of a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The gentle curve that expands when the arms are spread is an abstract representation of a dove taking flight.

This structure also modernizes the wide-sleeve silhouette found in traditional Catholic vestments. Furthermore, the sleeve decorations signify academic achievement: two lines for Master’s degrees and three lines for Doctoral and Official gowns.

The Bachelor’s Cape: Symbolizing the "Starting Point"

The Bachelor’s gown features a cape-style silhouette. This form, which wraps around the body, symbolizes the moment of stepping onto the path of higher learning. While decorations are kept to a minimum, the silhouette itself conveys the "neatness of a new beginning," serving as the foundation for the entire academic hierarchy.

Hoods, Stoles, and Lettering

The hood represents the weight of academic responsibility and the intellectual mission granted upon completion of a degree.

• Master’s Gowns: Feature an integrated structure combining the stole and hood, marking the transition into professional expertise.

• Doctoral Gowns: Emphasize dignity and authority through a traditional hood structure.

• Honorary/Official Gowns: Feature an embroidered dove on the back of the hood, clearly highlighting the prestige of the highest academic rank.

The vertical lettering of "THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF KOREA" on the stole clearly defines the wearer's affiliation. The modular design allows for different styling options depending on the occasion, such as graduation ceremonies or formal protocols.

A Unified System of Gradual Expansion

The new regalia treats the hierarchy—Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Official—as a flow of "expansion" rather than "separation."

• Bachelor: The most restrained starting point.

• Master: Adds expertise through stoles and expanded details.

• Doctoral: Strengthens authority with hoods and triple-striped sleeves.

• Honorary/Official: Completes the system as the ultimate ceremonial symbol.

This renewal began with the question: "How can we leave a lasting legacy of the CUK spirit?" Through the values of CREDO, UNITY, and KNOWLEDGE, the signature CUK Blue, and the motif of the Holy Spirit, 170 years of history have been reborn.

This gown is no longer just a costume for a ceremony; it is a symbol of the name of the university, its history, and our shared journey.

The new academic gowns will be unveiled for the first time at the upcoming commencement ceremony.