What if I told you that the oldest university in East Asia stands right here? I am talking about Sungkyunkwan University. Its story stretches back over 600 years. It began in 1398 during the Joseon Dynasty. Sungkyunkwan was the nation’s highest educational institute.
Sungkyunkwan’s main teaching is called Su-Gi-Chi-In. It means students should strive to perfect themselves. They should become leaders and contribute to society. This idea guided Sungkyunkwan in raising leaders for centuries. It helped shape Korean society.
Imagine the scholars who walked these grounds centuries ago. Yi Hwang and Yi I are among the famous figures who studied here. They deepened their knowledge of Chinese classics and Confucian teachings. They learned how to govern and understand humanity.
The name Sungkyunkwan itself holds meaning. “Seong” means to make. “Gyun” means harmonious society. “Gwan” means institute. Together, they represent the university’s mission. It aims to cultivate individuals who create a harmonious society.
Over the years, Sungkyunkwan faced challenges. There were times of recession and even destruction during invasions. Yet, it always revived. In 1895, it modernized and started teaching subjects like history and mathematics. However, Sungkyunkwan lost its status as Korea’s top school under Japanese rule.
After the Japanese Empire fell in 1945, Sungkyunkwan was reborn. Kim Chang-sook led efforts to revive it. The university collected property and donations from Confucian scholars. It re-established itself as a center of learning.
In 1996, Sungkyunkwan partnered with Samsung. This partnership boosted research and helped develop new courses. These courses included software development and nanotechnology.
Today, Sungkyunkwan University has two campuses. One is here in Seoul for Humanities and Social Sciences. The other is in Suwon for Natural Sciences. The Seoul campus sits on the same hill as royal palaces. The Suwon campus is more spacious.
Look around and notice the ginkgo trees. The ginkgo leaf is the university’s symbol. Two giant ginkgo trees stand at Myeongnyundang. They were planted around 1519.
Sungkyunkwan University holds a high rank. It is often ranked among the top universities in South Korea and Asia. Its Graduate School of Business is recognized worldwide.
The motto of Sungkyunkwan is “Humanity, Righteousness, Propriety, and Wisdom.” It reflects the core values of Neo-Confucianism.
As you stand here, consider the long and rich history of Sungkyunkwan University. It is a place where tradition meets innovation. It is a place that has shaped leaders for over six centuries. Sungkyunkwan University continues to strive for excellence. It remains a vital part of Korea’s educational landscape.