Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU or Seongdae, Korean: 성균관대학교; Hanja: 成均館大學校) is a private research university with campuses in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea. The institution traces its origins to the historic Sungkyunkwan founded in 1398 in central Seoul. As the foremost educational institution during the Joseon period, it was governed by the great code of the state administration with royal assent. By a resolution of the Progressive Intellectuals and Confucian scholars, it was restructured as a comprehensive university in the mid-20th century, and has since greatly expanded its academic offerings.
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History
Sungkyunkwan was established in 1398 and became the most prestigious educational institution in Joseon. Its name means "to make" (성; 成; seong), "harmonious society" (균; 均; gyun), "institute" (관; 館; gwan).
The school focused on in-depth study of the Chinese classics, Confucian canon, and contemporary literature; and on how to apply knowledge to governing the nation and to understanding the nature of humanity. It also served as a shrine (see Munmyo) to Confucian sages, and rituals were held regularly to honor them and their teachings.
The school was located within the city walls of Hanseong (modern-day Seoul), Korea's capital during the Joseon Dynasty. It followed the example of the Goryeo-period Gukjagam, which in its latter years was also known by the name "Sungkyunkwan".
Numerous Korean historical figures, including Yi Hwang and Yi I, studied at and graduated from Sungkyunkwan. A considerable amount of Korean literature and works of Hanja calligraphy were created and archived by Sungkyunkwan scholars over the centuries.
The history of Sungkyunkwan University can be divided into the ancient university, modern university, and contemporary university eras.
Ancient University Era (1398–1894)
During the ancient university era, traditional Confucian education was practiced.
From the establishment of Sungkyunkwan during the reign of King Taejo to the time of King Seongjong, buildings were constructed, systems were established, operating policies were effected, and the school was cemented as the top national educational center.
A long period of recession followed, from 1495 to 1724, that is, from the time of Yeonsangun to that of Gyeongjong. The beginning of this period was marked by a brief closure due to the tyranny of Yeonsangun, when, in 1505, Sungkyunkwan was reduced to a place to hold feasts. Though it was restored to its original status the next year under King Jungjong, during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), Sungkyunkwan was burnt down and rebuilt.
A period of revival followed, from 1725 to 1894, that is, from the reign of King Yeongjo to the time of Gabo Reform. Education at Sungkyunkwan became lively amid political and academic revival, and reformation of the education system was actively developed by Silhak scholars.
Modern University Era (1895–1945)
A period of enlightenment followed, that is, from Sungkyunkwan's founding as a modern university (1895) to the Japanese annexation of Korea (1910). In 1895, a three-year department of Chinese classics (경학과; 經學科; gyeonghakkwa) was established, and various courses such as history, geography, and mathematics were taught. At the same time, a professor appointment system, admission examination system, and graduation examination system were implemented; a semester system was introduced; and modern institutional reforms such as setting the number of teaching days per year and the number of lecture hours per week were effected. Under Japanese occupation (1910–1945), however, Sungkyunkwan lost its position as the highest school in Joseon.
Contemporary University Era (1945–Present)
On 15 August 1945, the Japanese Empire was defeated. In November of the same year, Kim Chang-sook led a foundation that revived Sungkyunkwan as an educational center. Sungkyunkwan University was thus re-established by collecting some of the property of the hyanggyo and donations from Confucian scholars.
Partnership with Samsung
Samsung partnered with SKKU from 1965 to 1977, and renewed this partnership in 1996. The university claims that this has helped it to pursue globalization and to foster talented graduates. The partnership has boosted research infrastructure and human resource management, and it has helped the university to develop courses in software development, mobile communications engineering, energy engineering, nanotechnology, business, medicine, and law.
Through the Samsung Global Scholarship Program, 15–25 students are selected annually for Seoul National University's engineering program or to enroll at SKKU's Graduate School of Business (SKK GSB), which partners with top business schools abroad, including the MIT Sloan School of Management, Columbia University, Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business, Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, and the Singapore Management University.
Rankings and reputation
According to the ranking of South Korean universities annually published by the national daily newspaper JoongAng Daily, Sungkyunkwan University is ranked third in South Korea after Seoul National University and Yonsei University. For several years, U.S. News & World Report ranked Sungkyunkwan University second in the country.
In the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world university rankings (2023), SKKU is ranked 99th globally, and 36th in Asia. In the Times Higher Education 2023 world university rankings, SKKU is ranked 170th internationally.
In the Financial Times rankings, SKK GSB's MBA ranks 82nd worldwide, 15th in Asia, and first in Korea.
Campuses and transport
Humanities and Social Sciences Campus (Seoul)
The university's Humanities and Social Sciences Campus, also housing arts departments, is in central Seoul on the same hill as Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung (two of the royal palaces of Joseon). The 1,394,154 m2 campus lies in Myeongnyun-dong, near Daehangno. The nearest subway station is Hyehwa on Line 4, and the university operates shuttle buses between the station and the campus.
Natural Sciences Campus (Suwon)
The Natural Sciences Campus, housing natural science, engineering, medicine, and sports departments, is within walking distance of Sungkyunkwan University Station in Yuljeon-dong, northwest Suwon. The 101-hectare campus, 45 km south of Seoul, was established in 1978. At 2,199,187 m2, it is more spacious than the campus in Seoul, so sports facilities and a botanical garden are located on this campus.
Symbols
SKKU's motto is "Humanity, Righteousness, Propriety, and Wisdom" (인의예지; 仁義禮智), and reflects the basic spirit of Neo-Confucianism.
The university's symbol—the ginkgo leaf—is derived from the giant ginkgo trees (Natural Monument No. 59) at Myeongnyundang. Both trees are male, and thus do not bear fruit. They are believed to have been planted circa 1519 by Yun Tak, a former chief scholar of Sungkyunkwan.
Student housing and dormitories
The university has several on-campus dormitories. The Humanities and Social Sciences campus in Seoul has ten dormitories and housing facilities, namely C-house, E-house, G-house, I-house, K-house, M-house, Crownville A, Crownville C, LWG House, and Victory House, while the Natural Sciences Campus in Suwon has five dormitories, namely In-Kwan, Ui-Kwan, Ye-Kwan, Shin-Kwan and Ji-Kwan.
Research
The university spends heavily on research and development, mostly sponsored by Samsung, Hyundai, and government agencies. Notable researchers include Clarivate Citation Laureate Park Nam-Gyu (2017), and physics professor Lee Young-hee, director of the Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics in the Institute for Basic Science. Both scientists frequently publish in Nature.
Sungkyunkwan Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology
Sungkyunkwan Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT) was founded on 1 March 2005 as one of the four core programs of Sungkyunkwan University's VISION2010+ plan to be ranked in the top 100 universities in the world. With financial support from Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, it aims to become one of the world's top five nanotechnology institutes. The current director of SAINT is Sungjoo Lee.
N-Center
The N-Center houses the Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics in the Institute for Basic Science, led by physics Professor Lee Young-hee, and the Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), led by Prof. Seong-Gi Kim.
School of Medicine
Students from the School of Medicine train at Samsung Medical Center's hospitals, and many students on campus are first-year undergraduates and postgraduate students.
International programs
Over 10% of the university's undergraduates are international students. There were over 2,700 international students enrolled at SKKU in 2013, and each year more than 2,000 Korean students from SKKU go abroad. SKKU maintains partnerships with over 653 universities in over 73 countries, and has agreements with 21 overseas institutions to offer dual-degree programs.
Facilities
Libraries
In 1946, with the re-establishment of the university, Jongyeonggak, Bicheondang and Myeongnyundang were used as libraries until a new library was built. Another library opened on the Natural Sciences Campus in 1979, and a Library of Medicine was established in 1998. In 1999, the Law Library opened, and in 2000, Jongyeonggak was newly established. Samsung Library was built in 2009, and the Central Library was refurbished in 2011. In total, SKKU's libraries hold more than 2.15 million books—the ninth largest collection of books in university libraries in South Korea.
Built in 2009, this library, alongside typical library functions, houses a digital media room where students can watch movies, and a sleeping arena.
Learning Factory
SKKU Learning Factory is a student facility at the Natural Sciences campus where creative ideas can be made physically as prototype products using 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC router, and Arduino. The center was established by the Fusion Based Creative Informatics Human Resources Development Team.
Sports facilities
Operating under the College of Sports Science, there are several student sports clubs including a baseball club, floor ball club, tennis club, basketball club, soccer club, volleyball club, and cricket club. There is a full-size soccer field, basketball court, tennis courts, athletics track, and baseball fields on the Natural Sciences Campus.
Notable alumni
Politics, diplomacy and public service
Hwang Kyo-ahn (황교안), former Prime Minister of South Korea, former Acting President of South Korea
Lee Wan-koo (이완구), former Prime Minister of South Korea
Chung Hong-won (정홍원), former Prime Minister of South Korea
Lee Young-jin (이영진), Justice of the Constitutional Court of Korea
Park Byeong-seug (박병석), Chairman of the National Assembly, National Assembly member for Seo District (Daejeon)
Yang Seung-jo (양승조), Governor of South Chungcheong Province, former National Assembly member for Cheonan
Ko Chang-soo (고창수), former Consul General in Seattle, Washington; former Ambassador to Ethiopia and Pakistan
Lee Jong-seok (이종석), former Minister of Unification
Choung Byoung-gug (정병국), former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, member of the National Assembly for Yeoju and Yangpyeong County
Ahn Gyu-back (안규백), member of the National Assembly for Dongdaemun District (Seoul)
Park Yong-jin (박용진), member of the National Assembly for Gangbuk District (Seoul)
Choi Gyung-hwan (최경환) member of the National Assembly for Buk District (Gwangju)
Sports
Choi Sung-beom (최성범), South Korean football player
Han Hong-gyu (한홍규), Midfielder for Chungju Hummel FC
Jung Kwang-seok (정광석), Retired football player and manager for Yongin City FC
Kim Deok-il (김덕일), Forward for Seongnam FC
Kim In-sung (김인성), Midfielder for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Kim Mi-hyun (김미현), Professional golfer
Lee Ho-jin (이호진), Defender
Lee Jong-won (이종원), Midfielder for Seongnam FC
Lee Sang-gi (이상기), Goalkeeper for Suwon FC
Lim Joong-yong (임중용), Retired football player and coach
Lim Sung-jin (임성진), volleyball player for Suwon KEPCO Vixtorm
Mo Chang-min (모창민), Infielder for NC Dinos
No Jin-hyuk (노진혁), Shortstop for NC Dinos
Yoon Deok-yeo (윤덕여), Retired football player and coach
Kim Byung-hyun (김병현), Former Major League Baseball Pitcher
Jeon Kwang-in (전광인), Men's National Volleyball Player
Seo Jae-duck (서재덕), Men's National Volleyball Player
Entertainment
Bae Yong-joon (배용준), Actor and businessman
Carlos Gorito (카를로스 고리토), South Korea-based Brazilian television personality
Cha Eun-woo (차은우), Actor and member of South Korean boy band Astro
Eunseo (은서), Member of South Korean-Chinese girl group WJSN
Go Ah-sung (고아성), Actress
Han Soo-yeon (한수연), Actress
Heo Nam-jun (허남준), Actor
Heo Young-joo (허영주), Former member of South Korean girl group The SeeYa
Hwang In-sun (황인선), Singer
Hyomin (효민), Actress and member of South Korean girl group T-ara
Jeon Sung-woo (전성우), Actor
Ji Hyun-woo (지현우), Actor
Jo Bo-ah (조보아), Actress
Joo Won (주원), Actor
Jung Hye-sung (정혜성), Actress
Kang Ji-young (강지영), Actress and former member of South Korean girl group KARA
Kim Dae-myung (김대명), Actor
Kim Ga-young (김가영), Actress and former member of South Korean girl group Stellar
Kim Hye-soo (김혜수), Actress