Daehak-dong

Nestled in the southeastern part of Seoul, Daehak-dong pulsates with youthful energy. Daehak-dong isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s a living testament to knowledge and ambition, largely defined by the presence of Seoul National University (SNU). The name “Daehak” itself literally translates to “university”. Daehak-dong and SNU are inextricably linked. SNU’s main campus dominates the area. The university’s presence permeates every corner of Daehak-dong, from the bustling student cafes to the quiet study nooks tucked away in local bookstores. SNU’s history is a story of mergers and relocations. Founded in 1946, SNU was born from the union of ten higher education institutions. The university originally resided in Dongsung-dong, Jongno District. It later moved its main campus to Daehak-dong in Gwanak District in 1975. This move, orchestrated at the behest of President Park Chung Hee, shifted the academic heart of Seoul southward. Today, only the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing remain at the original site, now known as Yeongeon Campus. Did you know that SNU’s Gwanak Campus was built on the former site of a golf course? The Gwanak golf club, founded in the early 1960s, was relocated to Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, paving the way for SNU’s sprawling campus. Daehak-dong, with its central focus on SNU, continues to shape the intellectual and cultural landscape of Seoul.