Seoul National University: A Legacy of Excellence, Notable Alumni, and Diverse Programs

Seoul National University (SNU), a beacon of academic excellence in South Korea, boasts a rich history, a diverse array of programs, and a distinguished alumni network that has shaped the nation's landscape. Founded in 1946, SNU has grown into a leading research university, playing a pivotal role in South Korea's development across various fields. This article delves into the university's history, highlights its notable alumni, and explores its diverse academic programs.

Historical Overview

Seoul National University's history reflects Korea's journey since the end of World War II. The institution's origins trace back to various educational institutions established by King Gojong of the Joseon dynasty, who sought to modernize the country through modern higher education. In 1895, he issued a royal order to establish the law academy Beopkwan Yangseongso, which produced 209 graduates, including the later envoy Yi Tjoune. Following the proclamation of the Korean Empire in 1897, King Gojong established a medical school in 1899, which later became the College of Medicine of SNU after several name changes.

During Japanese rule, Keijō Imperial University was established as one of Japan's nine imperial universities. After World War II and the independence of Korea, the university's name changed to Gyeongseong Daehak (Gyeongseong University). On August 27, 1946, SNU was founded by merging ten higher education institutions around Seoul, pursuant to "The Law Concerning the Foundation of Seoul National University." These institutions included:

Kyŏngsŏng University
Kyŏngsŏng Colleges of Law
Industrial Engineering
Mining
Medicine
Economics
Dentistry
The Normal School
The Women's Normal School
Suwon Agricultural College

Harry B. Ansted served as the first president.

However, the merger faced resistance from students and professors who protested against the law of the US military government in Korea merging colleges. Ultimately, the United States provisional government fired 320 professors, and more than 4950 students left the school. Despite the initial turmoil, SNU persevered and continued to develop its academic offerings. The law department of Kyŏngsŏng University merged with Kyŏngsŏng Law College, creating the college of law.

In 1975, the main campus relocated to the newly constructed Gwanak Campus, while the College of Medicine, the College of Dentistry, and the College of Nursing remained on the former main campus in Jongno, known as Yeongeon Campus.

Campuses and Facilities

Seoul National University maintains two Seoul-based campuses: the Gwanak Campus and the Yeongeon Campus. The Gwanak Campus, established as the main campus in 1975, is located in the southern part of Seoul, served by its own subway station on Line 2. It comprises approximately 200 buildings, with over half constructed since 1990. The Yeongeon Campus, the medical campus, is situated on Daehangno (University Street), northeast Seoul. The Colleges of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Veterinary Medicine relocated from Suwon to Gwanak in 2003.

In February 2010, Seoul National University initiated a memorandum with the city of Siheung to establish a global campus. The land acquisition is expected to increase the university's size by 58% and headcount by 33%. The initiative will include lecture halls, liberal arts and graduate courses, a medical complex, research centers, dormitories, apartments, an international middle and high school, and other facilities.

Seoul National University Library

The Seoul National University Library, located behind the university administrative building in the Gwanak Campus, houses a vast collection of books and resources. On December 31, 2005, the library's total collection numbered approximately 2.6 million volumes. The Central Library has also constructed a digital library, providing access to university publications, ancient texts, and theses, including images of pamphlets, lecture slides, and insects.

The library first opened in 1946 as the Seoul National University Central Library, inheriting its facilities and books from Kyungsung University. In 1949, it was renamed the Seoul National University Library Annex. In 1966, the library systematized its collections, creating an annex for each of the university's colleges.

Read also: Applying to Chung-Ang University

Museums

Seoul National University boasts two prominent museums: the Seoul National University Museum and the Seoul National University Museum of Art (SNUMoA).

The Seoul National University Museum, located at the Gwanak Campus, opened with the university in 1946 as "The Seoul National University Museum Annex." The museum moved to the sixth floor of the Central Library in 1975 and then to newly constructed facilities in 1993.

The Seoul National University Museum of Art (SNUMoA) was established in 1995 with contributions from the Samsung Cultural Foundation. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the museum opened on June 8, 2006, and features a distinctive cantilevered structure.

Other Facilities

Other notable facilities at SNU include the Seoul National University Gymnasium and the Gwanaksa dormitory, which houses undergraduate and graduate students as well as families.

Academic Programs

Seoul National University offers a wide range of academic programs across its sixteen colleges, one graduate school, and nine professional schools. Sixteen colleges of the university offer 83 undergraduate degree programs. For master and doctoral programs there is one graduate school with 99 programs from five fields of studies.

SNU has consistently earned recognition as one of the most competitive universities in South Korea. From 1981 to 1987, when applicants could only apply to one university at a time, more than 80 percent of the top 0.5 percent scorers in the annual government-administered scholastic achievement test applied to SNU.

Notable Alumni

SNU graduates have made significant contributions to South Korea's academics, government, politics, and business. The concentration of SNU graduates in legal, official, and political circles is particularly high. The directory includes famous graduates and former students along with research and academic staff.

Here are some notable alumni of Seoul National University:

Ban Ki-moon: A South Korean politician and diplomat who served as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations between 2007 and 2016.
Yoon Suk-yeol: A South Korean politician and prosecutor who has served as the 13th president of South Korea since 2022.
Kim Young-sam: A South Korean politician who served as the seventh president of South Korea from 1993 to 1998.
Lee Soo-man: A South Korean business executive and record producer who is best known for being the founder of SM Entertainment.
Lee Jae-yong: A South Korean business executive who has served as the executive chairman of Samsung Electronics since October 2022.
Hwang Dong-hyeok: A South Korean film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for creating the Netflix survival drama series Squid Game.
Kim Tae-hee: A South Korean actress known for her roles in television series such as Stairway to Heaven, Love Story in Harvard, and Iris.
Lee Sang-yoon: A South Korean actor known for his starring roles in Seoyoung, My Daughter, Angel Eyes, and Liar Game.
Lee Ha-nee: A South Korean actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Korea 2006.
Bang Si-hyuk: A South Korean music executive, record producer, and songwriter who is a co-founder and the chairperson of Hybe Corporation.
Lee Nak-yon: A South Korean politician who served as the prime minister of South Korea from 2017 to 2020.
Ahn Cheol-soo: A South Korean politician, medical doctor, businessperson, and software entrepreneur.
Hwang Woo-suk: A South Korean veterinarian and researcher known for his stem cell research, but later infamous for fabricating experiments.
Ha-Joon Chang: A South Korean economist and academic specializing in institutional economics and development.
Kim Chang-wan: A South Korean singer, actor, and writer.
Beenzino: A South Korean rapper.
Han Duck-soo: A South Korean diplomat, economist, and politician who served as acting president of South Korea in December 2024 and the 48th prime minister of South Korea from 2022.
Chung Mong-joon: A South Korean businessman and politician.

This list represents just a fraction of the accomplished individuals who have graduated from Seoul National University. Their achievements across diverse fields underscore the university's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering leadership.

Rankings and Reputation

Seoul National University has consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.

In 2015, Thomson-Reuters ranked SNU as the 31st most innovative institution in the world. QS World University Rankings (2023) ranked SNU as the 29th best university in the world and 7th in Asia, whilst it is 7th in the independent regional QS Asian University Rankings (2023). SNU is 11th in Asia and 56th in the world according to the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Influence and Impact

SNU graduates dominate South Korea's academics, government, politics and business. The university's influence extends beyond national borders, with a significant number of alumni holding leadership positions in international organizations and global corporations.

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