Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University 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.
History
was established in 1398 and became the most prestigious educational institution in Joseon. Its name means "to make", "harmonious society", "institute".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 to Confucian sages, and rituals were held regularly to honor them and their teachings.
The school was located within the city walls of Hanseong, 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, 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 to the Japanese annexation of Korea. In 1895, a three-year department of Chinese classics 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, 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
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, 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 world university rankings, 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. 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", and reflects the basic spirit of Neo-Confucianism.The university's symbol—the ginkgo leaf—is derived from the giant ginkgo trees 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.