SKY (universities)
SKY is an unofficial grouping and acronym for the three most prestigious and academically competitive universities located in Seoul, South Korea. It consists of Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University.
The term is widely used in South Korea, both in the media and by the universities themselves. Being admitted to one of the SKY universities is frequently seen as important to one's career and social position in the country. The acronym also implies that the universities are extremely difficult to get into.
History
Seoul National University
- 1895: The year when the Beopgwan Yangseongso, the first modern legal training institution in Korea established by King Gojong, was founded. It later became one of the ten schools integrated into Seoul National University, and 1895 is recognized as the university's symbolic founding year.
- August 1946: The official founding year of Seoul National University as a national university under the National Seoul National University Establishment Act.
Korea University
- 1905: Bosung College was established as the first modern private institution of higher education in Korea.
- 1932: Bosung College moved to its current location in Anam-dong, Seoul, expanding its facilities and academic programs.
- 1946 August: "Bosung College" was renamed "Korea University" and became a comprehensive university, expanding into various academic disciplines.
Yonsei University
- 1885: Former Institute of Severance Medical College and Hospital was established. First modern hospital and academic institution built in Korea.
- 1915: Yonhi College established.
- 1957 January: Yonhi University and Severance Medical College and Hospital merged into Yonsei University.
National recognition
In 2010, it was reported that 46.3% of high government officials and 50% of CEOs of major financial industries were graduates of SKY universities. Also, over 60% of the students who passed the 2010 Korean Bar examination were graduates of SKY universities.Being admitted in one of these universities typically requires students to be within the top 1% of the Korean College Scholastic Ability Test. Hence, high schools would release lists of how many students were admitted to a SKY university each year as a mark of prestige.
The term has also been applied to the music and entertainment industry due to prominent alumni, including Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon Ho and renowned opera singer Sumi Jo. The founders of three of the "big four" K-pop labels and prominent indie-oriented labels Mystic Story and Antenna Music are all graduates of a SKY university.