Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Seoul, Konkuk University stands as a testament to a nation’s ambition. Konkuk University, whose name itself means “founding a nation”, embodies the vision of its founder, Dr. Seok-Chang Yoo. He dreamed of a revitalized Korea, rich in welfare and culture. Konkuk University began not as a university, but as the Minjung Hospital in 1931. This was a time of great hardship under Japanese occupation. Dr. Yoo, a key figure in the March 1st Independence Movement, saw education as the cornerstone of Korea’s future. Konkuk University truly took shape in 1946 with the founding of the Korea Institute of Politics, evolving into a full-fledged university in 1959. The original campus, a modest 395 pyeong (1,305 m²) building in Nakwon-dong, now known as the Konkuk Building, stands in stark contrast to the sprawling campus before you today. Konkuk University in Seoul now encompasses 13 colleges and 14 graduate schools, bustling with over 27,700 students. Konkuk University isn’t just about academics. The iconic Ilgam Lake, once a swamp, now provides a tranquil heart to the campus. Imagine it in the 1950s and 60s, hosting national ice-skating competitions when indoor rinks were rare! Konkuk University has also become a familiar backdrop in Korean popular culture. The drama “Twenty Again” filmed scenes here. Even the popular webtoon “Cheese in the Trap” drew inspiration from Konkuk University’s architecture, its museum and library immortalized in the artwork. Dr. Yoo’s legacy lives on in Konkuk University’s motto: Sincerity, Fidelity, and Righteousness. These values are instilled in the almost 30,000 students who walk these halls. Konkuk University continues to evolve, embracing the future with its “Renaissance Konkuk 2031” plan. This forward-thinking approach ensures Konkuk University remains a vital force in shaping Korea’s future, long after its centennial celebration.
Onggi Folk Museum
Craving a glimpse into Korea’s soul? Then let’s step inside the Onggi Folk Museum. This unique museum in Seoul celebrates