What if your diploma was worth more than just the paper it is printed on? Here we are at Seoul National University. It is often called SNU. SNU’s reputation precedes it as South Korea’s top university. Its graduates often dominate various sectors of society. They range from politics to business. Some even achieve success in academia and the arts.
SNU’s history began with King Gojong. He established modern higher education institutions to modernize Korea. The law academy Beopkwan Yangseongso was founded in 1895. It produced 209 graduates. The medical school Euihakkyo came in 1899. Both are considered the origin of SNU colleges.
Seoul National University was officially founded on August 27 1946. This happened by merging ten higher education institutions around Seoul. These included Gyeongseong University and Gyeongseong College of Education. Gyeongseong Women’s College of Education was also included. So too were Gyeongseong Law College and Gyeongseong Industrial College.
SNU has three campuses. The main campus is in Gwanak. There are additional campuses in Daehangno and Pyeongchang. The university has sixteen colleges, one graduate school, and nine professional schools. The student body includes nearly 17000 undergraduates and 11000 graduate students.
Admissions to Seoul National University are extremely competitive. From 1981 to 1987, applicants could only apply to one university at a time. Over 80% of the top scorers applied to SNU. Many were unsuccessful.
The Seoul National University Library is a treasure. It is located behind the university’s administration building. As of 2022, the library holds 5.2 million books. It has over 260000 academic journals and e-journals. There are also over 230000 non-book materials. The digital library offers access to university publications. It also holds ancient texts and theses.
The Kyujanggak Royal Library is another jewel. It is maintained by the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies at SNU. It functions as a key repository of Korean historical records. It is a center for research too.
The Seoul National University Museum showcases Korean heritage. The Seoul National University Museum of Art displays diverse artworks. The Gymnasium hosted Olympic events in 1988.
SNU’s influence extends into popular culture. The campus was a filming location for the drama Star’s Lover. SNU also figures prominently in dramas like Sky Castle and Squid Game.
Graduating from SNU does not guarantee success. SNU alumni often receive higher wages than graduates from other Korean universities. One in four Korean university presidents graduated from SNU.
Seoul National University continues to attract interesting professors. Students can study abroad at partner institutions worldwide. SNU remains a center of academic excellence and a symbol of national pride. Its graduates are well-prepared to make their mark on the world.