The mascot joined Organising Committee members, playing rock-paper-scissors with students and giving out gifts.

With the concept of Nuribi being on a "wanted" poster, prizes were also given to people who took a picture of the mascot and uploaded it to Gwangju 2015's social network sites.

Organisers are planning to promote the Universiade using social media at university events scheduled for when the new term starts in September.

The Organising Committee is also planning to open an official channel in Kakao Story, a popular Korean social networking service.

Nuribi's name takes the Korean word "Nuri", which means the world, and "bi" which means to fly, and represents the forward-thinking approach that South Korea is taking to ensure a successful Universiade, officials say.

Gwangju is due to stage the Games from July 3 to 14.