hello everyone!
Last Saturday, I visited Sungkyunkwan University to attend a Korean Society for Journalism and Communication Studies event. As an international student, visiting a university in Korea is always a new experience, but this visit was particularly memorable. Let's take a look together!
Sungkyunkwan University was founded in 1398, the seventh year of King Taejo's reign in the Joseon Dynasty. At the time, it was established as the nation's highest educational institution under the name "Sungkyunkwan," and for many years, it served as a center for Korean philosophy and Confucian education. Thanks to its long history, many old buildings remain throughout the campus. Every time I walked, I felt like I had stepped back in time.
The Seoul campus has undergone significant transformations during the late Joseon Dynasty and the modern era, but it's impressive how it has preserved its traditional charm. As you can see from the photos, the buildings still retain their original beauty. For example, the Myeongnyundang lecture hall (first photo) and Daeseongjeon (a sacred space within the Confucian Shrine) are buildings that vividly embody the educational atmosphere and Confucian rituals of the Joseon Dynasty. I took a short walk around the campus before the event, and it was wonderful.
This school has both old and new buildings. On the day of the event, after listening to the presentations in the school's community center, I took a leisurely look around the campus, taking in the old building's main gate once more. As you can see in the photo below, the phrase "a place where past and present coexist in one space" comes to mind. If you're an international student, I highly recommend a visit!
Sungkyunkwan University seems like a truly beautiful campus! Hyehwa Station is just a short walk from the main gate. After exploring the campus, you can enjoy a delicious meal near Hyehwa, catch a play at a small theater, or relax at a charming cafe.
Have a nice day today!
