From the beginning of the first semester of 2025, Kyung Hee University (KHU) Cooperatives started operating the KHU Global Campus Student Center cafeteria. Previously, they conducted the faculty cafeteria for a trial run on February 17 and became fully operational when they began operating the student cafeteria on March 4. This change has sparked various reactions within the KHU community.

The Student Cafeteria at the Global Campus Student Center

KHU Cooperatives and Common Welfare of KHU Seoul and Global Campus

KHU Cooperatives is a university cooperative voluntarily organized to support faculty members. They manage various facilities at the Seoul Campus such as the faculty cafeteria, convenience store, and café at the Seoul Campus. Originally, Riaeni La Matinee managed the student and faculty cafeteria at the Global Campus. However, their management has been criticized by the KHU members due to poor hygiene management, including incidents of insects, screws, and pieces of plastic being found in meals.

Logo of the KHU Cooperatives

As a result, KHU decided to replace Riaeni La Matinee with KHU Cooperatives as the meal provider. The Global Campus General Affairs Team (GAT) explained that President Kim Jin-sang’s will was a decisive factor for this decision.

Changes in Student Cafeteria Management

As KHU Cooperatives became the new manager, some changes have been made to the student cafeteria operation. Previously, the Global Campus student cafeteria at the Student Center did not provide breakfast. Lunch was available from 11:30 to 13:30, and dinner was served from 17:00 to 18:30. However, starting this semester, breakfast is now offered from 08:30 to 10:00. Additionally, the lunch hours have been extended from 11:00 to 14:00, while the dinner hours remain unchanged.

Currently, the student cafeterias at both Seoul and Global Campus serve the same menu. Kim Min-hwa, Secretary General of KHU Cooperatives, explained that this decision was made to unify the menu for one year as a trial to evaluate cafeteria management. The breakfast menu matches that of the cafeteria in the Pureunsol Building, while the lunch and dinner menus are identical to those of the cafeteria in the Cheongwoon Building.

The location of the 1,000 won Breakfast program has changed. Previously, it was provided at the cafeteria of the 2nd Dormitory. However, starting in the spring semester of 2025, it will be available at the student cafeteria in the Global Campus Student Center. The serving hours remain the same as the regular breakfast hours.

Another new feature is the Itsme application (app). Previously, it was only available at the Seoul Campus cafeteria. However, with KHU Cooperatives taking over its operation, the app is now available at the Global Campus cafeteria. Usage guidelines will be promoted through the Global Campus General Student Association.

Itsme usage promotional materials attached at the door

Through the app, KHU members can conveniently use the student cafeteria. The app offers an advanced payment service, allowing users to issue electronic meal tickets and eliminating the need to line up at the kiosk. In addition, users who sign up as a KHU Cooperatives member will accumulate 1% credit for every meal purchase. This credit can be used alongside other payment methods, such as credit cards or Naver Pay.

Responses of KHU Members

As KHU Cooperatives replaced Riaeni La Matinee due to severe hygiene and quality issues, these concerns are being focused on by the KHU members. Kim explained that KHU Cooperatives has hired a new nutritionist. He further stated, “Originally, the student cafeteria was managed by only one nutritionist. This time, we have employed two nutritionists to enhance hygiene and meal quality.” He also mentioned that KHU Cooperatives will continue allocating 50% of the budget to sourcing high-quality ingredients.

Students visiting the cafeteria have responded positively. Kim Jin-seo, a student from the Dept. of Civil Engineering, stated, “Compared to before, the meal quality has greatly improved. Moreover, the cafeteria seems cleaner than before.” Yoo Jae-yeon, a student from the Dept. of International Studies, commented, “It is great to enjoy the same level of welfare as the Seoul Campus. I rarely used the student cafeteria before, but now I will visit more frequently.”

March 4, the student cafeteria full of people

However, KHU staff have expressed differing responses. The GAT raised concerns about various issues, including the recruitment of nutritionists and cooks, as well as staff management during vacation periods after the semester. GAT stated, “We are deeply concerned about KHU Cooperatives not being a professional meal provider and the securing sufficient personnel to operate the cafeteria.”

As KHU Cooperatives became the manager of the student cafeteria on the Global campus, KHU members have shown various reactions. While students generally reacted positively, several concerns on operation remain on KHU Cooperatives and GAT. It seems necessary to continue paying attention to whether the Global Campus student cafeteria can fulfill a satisfactory level of meal quality and hygiene.