A Guide to Visiting Yonsei University in 2023

Yonsei University, located in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious university that is consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia, and a tour of the campus (information below) should definitely be on your list of things to do when visiting Seoul. The university is known for its strong academic programs and the campus is especially beautiful in the spring with cherry trees in full bloom.

Yonsei also holds a special place in the hearts of thousands of Koreans living abroad who attended the summer program during their college or high school years in an attempt to reconnect with their heritage.

Yonsei is part of the top three prestige universities in South Korea referred to by the acronym SKY:

Seoul National University (SNU) – Founded in 1946, SNU is the first national university in Korea and is consistently ranked as the top university in the country.
Korea University (KU) – Founded in 1905, KU is located in the Anam-dong district of Seoul and is known for its strong programs in business, law, and international studies.
Yonsei University (YU) – YU is located in the vibrant Sinchon district of Seoul and is known for its strong programs in liberal arts, medicine, and business.

Founded as a hospital in 1885, Yonsei University was officially established when Yonhi University and Severance Medical School merged in 1957.

Yonsei University is located in the most vibrant neighborhood among the SKY schools, and getting to its campus is a breeze as it is located in one of the most accessible parts of Seoul. The closest subway station is Sinchon Station, which is located on Line 2. From the station, it’s a short walk to the main entrance of the university. As soon as you enter the campus, you’ll notice the beautiful environment. The campus is nestled in a scenic area, surrounded by trees, greenery, and beautiful architecture.

One of the first sights you’ll see is the iconic Yonsei University emblem, which is a symbol of the university’s long history and academic excellence. The emblem is prominently displayed on the university’s main gate, which is a beautiful entrance to the campus. The gate is a popular spot for taking pictures, and you’ll often see students posing in front of it.

The main buildings surround an English-style garden and courtyard that also has a statue of Dr. H. G. Underwood, the first president of Yonhi College, the predecessor to Yonsei University. The area is a popular photo spot and visitors should take time to get their own snaps when at Yonsei.

Behind Underwood Hall is Yonhi Hall, and the building may be recognizable to fans of Korean films and dramas. Yonhi Hall is a popular filming location and some of the most famous works filmed there are the movies “My Sassy Girl” and “The Classic” as well as the drama “Reply 1994.”

As you walk further into the campus, you’ll come across the beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture of the university’s buildings. The buildings are constructed with a mix of red brick and grey stone, which gives them a unique and charming appearance. The buildings are spread out across the campus, and each one has its own character and history.

Underwood Hall

One of the must-see buildings on campus is Underwood Hall. The statue in front of Underwood Hall is of Horace G. Underwood, the founder of Yonsei University. Underwood International College at Yonsei is an English-language, four-year liberal arts institution, which combines the intimate, elite learning environment of an American-style liberal arts college with the faculty and resources of Korea’s top private research university. The building is an impressive six-story structure that is built in the neo-Gothic style, with a beautiful central tower that rises above the other buildings on campus. The building is home to a diverse community of students from around the world, and you can often hear different languages being spoken as you walk through the halls.

Yonsei Library

Another impressive building on campus is the Yonsei Library, which is one of the largest libraries in Korea. The library is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that is home to over 4.5 million books, journals, and other resources. The library is also home to a number of study spaces, computer labs, and other resources that are available to students.

Yun Dong-ju Memorial Hall

One of the most popular spots on campus is the Yun Dong-ju Memorial Hall, which is a tribute to one of Korea’s most beloved poets. Yun Dong-ju was a student at Yonsei University in the 1940s and is known for his moving poetry that expressed the pain and struggles of life under Japanese occupation. The memorial hall is a beautiful tribute to his life and work and is a must-see spot for anyone visiting Yonsei University.

Strong International Programs

One of the things that sets Yonsei University apart from other universities in Korea is its strong commitment to international education. The university has a number of partnerships with universities around the world, and this has created a diverse and inclusive community of students and faculty. Thousands of international students have attended its summer programs and as you walk through the campus, you’ll see signs and banners in different languages, and you’ll hear students speaking in a variety of different accents.

In addition to its academic programs, Yonsei University is also known for its vibrant campus life. The university has a number of clubs and organizations that students can join, ranging from sports teams to academic clubs to cultural organizations. These clubs and organizations are a great way for students to meet new people and get involved in campus life.

Another popular aspect of campus life at Yonsei University is the food. The university has a number of cafeterias and restaurants on campus and great restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood of Sinchon. There are also numerous coffee shops and bakeries on campus.

If you’re looking for a bit of nature and fresh air, Yonsei University has a number of parks and green spaces on campus. Baekyang-ro cherry blossom road, is a beautiful pathway lined with cherry blossom trees that you will traverse as you enter the main entrance of the college. In the spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, creating a stunning sight that is popular with both locals and tourists.

If you’re interested in Korean culture and history, Yonsei University has a number of museums and galleries on campus that are worth a visit. One of the most popular museums is the Yonsei University Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and artwork related to Korean history and culture. The museum is free to visit and is a great spot to learn more about Korean culture and history.

A visit to Yonsei University is a great way to experience Korean culture and education. The campus is beautiful and welcoming, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re interested in academics, culture, or just taking a leisurely stroll, Yonsei University is a great destination that shouldn’t be missed.