Department of Occupational Therapy at Jeonju University Successfully Concludes 3rd Academic Festival

The Department of Occupational Therapy at Jeonju University announced on November 4 that it recently held the "3rd Academic Festival" at the Jeonju University Star Center Onnuri Hall.

The Department of Occupational Therapy at Jeonju University recently successfully concluded the "3rd Academic Festival" at the Jeonju University Star Center Onnuri Hall. Photo by Jeonju University

This academic festival, themed "Flow: The State of Selflessness (Muajigyeong)," was hosted by the Department of Occupational Therapy at Jeonju University and sponsored by KOTRAS Co., Ltd. and Daechang Medical Co., Ltd. The event aimed to shed new light on human growth and the essential value of occupational therapy through the concept of "flow," while also providing opportunities for academic exchange and reflection.

The morning session featured "Flow Performances" prepared by students, including sign language, card section, and singing performances. This was followed by a special lecture by Professor Kim Hwan of Daegu University on the topic "The Happiest Best Effort, Flow."

Professor Kim introduced Csikszentmihalyi's flow theory, explaining that flow is a psychological state in which one is so absorbed in an activity itself that enjoyment is derived from the process rather than from rewards or outcomes. He emphasized that flow is deeply related to self-esteem, happiness, and increased productivity, and is a core concept for understanding the essence of occupational therapy.

After the lecture, students gathered in groups for open discussions on the topic, "What activities do I immerse myself in?" During lunchtime, fourth-year graduation thesis posters and third-year capstone design projects were exhibited outside Onnuri Hall, showcasing students' creative research achievements.

In the afternoon, occupational therapist and director of a craft workshop, Jang Yunho, delivered a special lecture titled "From Flow to Occupational Presence: Discovering Myself and Extending to Clients."

Mr. Jang stated, "An occupational therapist is not merely a functional trainer, but a companion who helps clients discover their own 'being,'" and emphasized the expansion from "Flow" to "Presence."

He shared videos of real clinical cases showing patients regaining self-esteem through immersion in work, delivering the message, "Flow is the moment you forget yourself, and occupational presence is the moment you meet yourself."

During the subsequent Flow Part session, students engaged in group discussions on the theme of flow. They creatively expressed the meaning of flow by taking photos and videos that represented flow, and by filling large sheets with drawings and sentences on the topic.

Each group then took turns appreciating one another's works and participated in a vote, with the three groups receiving the most votes presenting as representatives. In the final Flow Part.3 Event, awards were given to outstanding groups, and a free discussion between all students and professors further enriched the atmosphere of the academic festival.

Yoo Inkyu, head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Jeonju University, remarked, "Flow is the essence of occupational therapy and the starting point for restoring people's lives," adding, "I hope today's experience leads to clinical insight for all our students."