Justice rings. Listen closely. The SNU Law School’s story echoes with the pursuit of justice. This is Seoul National University School of Law. It’s a place where legal minds are forged. It’s a cornerstone of South Korea’s legal system.
The SNU Law School boasts a rich history. Its origins trace back to 1895. It began as Popkwan Yangsungso. This institute trained judges. It marked the start of modern legal education in Korea. In 1946, it officially became the SNU College of Law. It was part of Seoul National University. The school offered continental-styled legal education.
In 2009, the school adopted the American 3-year law school system. Its name changed to SNU School of Law. Today, it offers J.D., J.S.D., LL.M., and Ph.D. degrees. Undergraduate law admissions are no longer offered. Admission to the J.D. course is limited to 150 students per year. This is under the government’s policy.
The law school’s first iteration started in 1895 during the Joseon Dynasty. It was known as the Judicial Officials Training Institute. Justice Minister Suh Kwangbom proposed its creation. The institute educated judicial law. It granted a bachelor of law to men aged 25 to 30.
The institute restructured in 1909. It became a law school and a limited professional school. In 1911, the name changed to Seoul Professional School. It returned to being exclusively a law school in 1922. The name changed again to Seoul Professional Law School.
In the early 1940s, admissions ceased. This was due to harsh wartime policies. After the war, enrollment returned to normal. Following the April Revolution, enrollment sharply reduced. The government believed the law school was the center of protests. Enrollment recovered in 1981.
Established in 1946, the Seoul National University Law Library opened in 2014. It holds over 155,055 volumes.
SNU Law School has produced numerous notable alumni. These alumni are in the Government of South Korea and the judiciary. This includes the 13th President of South Korea Yoon Suk-yeol. Many Justices and Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of Korea are alumni too. Kim Myeong-soo is the 16th Chief Justice. Also, Presidents of the Constitutional Court of Korea are SNU Law alumni. Yoo Nam-seok is the 7th President of the Constitutional Court.
The SNU Law School faces criticism. Some criticize the lack of older students admitted. There is criticism that 88% of students came from South Korea’s top three colleges.
The Bell of Justice Square underwent revitalization. The existing square had been neglected. It was known as the Bell of Justice Square. Circular patterns of paving stones and granite benches were arranged. Stairs and planter spaces were reimagined as accessible areas.
Remember the Justice Bell of SNU Law. It reads: “LET JUSTICE BE DONE, THOUGH THE HEAVEN SHOULD FALL”. It encourages law students to learn the worth of justice. They should indelibly write it on their hearts.