In Inha University, there are a lot of clubs. Today, I would like to introduce ‘Sam’, which is literary club that is deeply rooted in history with Inha. Sam literature club has a long history, so you can also find traces of it at our club room. So The Inha Times met Lee Jae-jeong and Lee Yong-woon, members of ‘Sam’.

The Inha Times(IT): First, can you explain club activity in detail?

Lee Jae-jeong (JJ): We belong to the literary content of the exhibition field. We have a regularly meeting every week. Once a week, we hold a rally in which one or two people write their own poems and give a brief introduction for other members. Members take turns giving poetry readings and have a second to think about the poetry. And then we freely discuss questions about the author's poems and what we would like to supplement them with. As a result, the writer answers those questions. I think it is a good time not only to talk about poetry but also to listen to anecdotes and experiences related to the poetry.

IT: Can you show me a poem from a recent rally?

Lee Yong-woon (YW): I wrote this poem. Maybe those who playing Battle Ground maybe understand my poem at once.

Under the cloudy sky

The people slowly disappearing

The scenery around them changes rapidly

Above the sky of the city that used to be the battlefield

The people who were bustling about the city and the gunshots surround me

In the city where death has passed

The uninhabited Communist silence has sunk

A water deer walked away leisurely through alone.

IT: Do you know when your club was formed?

JJ: I found the record of club gathering on October, 1968. It's almost a relic. I have known recently that our club is the third oldest club among regular clubs in Inha University.

IT: What is the meaning of the club name, ‘Sam’?

JJ: In the old days, Inha University students who used to like writing poetry often got together at a cafe called Sam which is located in back gate of Inha University. Sam literally means well. It also means to feel the depth of literature like well. They started their meeting by sharing impressive readings or phrase with each other in a small way, and spent more and more time writing their own poems and talking about them. Then they thought what it would be like making a club with other students who loves poem. So they made ‘Sam club’. Isn't it cool?

IT: The festival season is just around the corner. Does club have any plans for festival?

YW: A At the festival, we are planning to hold a poetry exhibition. The club members decorate their poems and illustrations directly on the prepared boards, and then exhibit it throughout the festival. We'll probably put on the In-Gyeong Lake or the 60th anniversary building in a row. You can look around the poems and vote on your favourite poem. At the end of the festival, the person who wrote the most voted poem will be provided a small gift.

IT: What would be the special advantage of Sam club as a club member?

JJ: First, I think our club location is so good. Actually it is located just to the right of the stairs on the basement floor. So many club members come to put their belongings or major books freely. And we also have 2 heaters and 3 sofas in our club room. You'll notice if you visit other club rooms, it's too cold at night to get a rest. Our room has no such problems so we can rest comfortably. We bought them at private expense. Second, as I mentioned earlier, our club is so old that there are so many books in the club room. Most of them are from senior who already graduated. Whenever members want, they can borrow them. Lastly because our club is a small club that doesn't have many members, it is easy to get along with each other. You can relax, talk, and bring in your friends without any problems.

IT: You mentioned a little bit about the activities that will take place during the festival. What are your plans for the Sam club in 2018?

YW: During the festival, the seniors who graduated from the school will give us feedback about our poems and buy delicious, expensive meals for younger members. After that, we’re supposed to go Membership training.

IT: Would you like to say something to students who are hesitant to join the club?

JJ: Some of you might think it would be unfamiliar, but if you come to our club room, you wouldn't think so. You can make friends regardless of age. We are always recruiting new members. So you don't need to worry about getting recruit only freshman, just please come and relax.

신지원  sjw46121@naver.com

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