Discover Sookmyung Women’s University

Are you a school student or an undergraduate student wishing for an exciting and fresh university experience abroad? Then, this article is definitely worth your devotion. I am going to introduce my university from the view of an international student. So, let’s start the close acquaintance with Sookmyung Women’s University(SMU)!

Main points in the History of Sookmyung

Sookmyung Women’s University gets a lot of praise as a global leader of women’s education. The history begins from 1906 when the Royal Family of King Go-Jong of the Joseon Dynasty founded Sookmyung on the vast grounds of Yong-Dong Palace. It was Korea’s first national women’s private school, which then transformed into college, and in 1955 it elevated to university. Today, the main objective of Sookmyung is to nurture female leaders who contribute to the development of the nation, its people, and humanity.

Do you know where SMU is number one? Then check below the remarkable achievements of SMU on the global and national stages:

• National Women’s Private School
• Established the Asia Pacific Women’s Information Network Center
• First Korean university selected by UNESCO to supervise Women’s Information development in the Asia Pacific region
• Founded the Graduate School of Distance Learning
• Started the world’s first mobile campus, named as a leadership specializing university
• Introduced Post-Bachelor Programs, the first women’s university to supervise an entrepreneurial center
• The first women’s university for university-led job creation center
• The first university for IPP-type work and study support
• Completed five government-support projects related to job creation
• Established the College of Engineering
• Selected as the only university in Seoul for a leading university in career and employment support

Symbol of Sookmyung

The Snowflake is symbolizing the pride and challenge of Sookmyung students. The symbol consists of two tones: the blue in the center represents the diversity and dynamic energy of Sookmyung students and the blue surrounding the center means globalized students’ attitudes toward the future. I consider our symbol a perfect brand image that presents female power to beautifully change the world!

Heart of Seoul

What is very convenient is that our university is located in the heart of Seoul. It means that all touristic attractions within 10-20 min by subway:

Namsan Tower, Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Insa-dong, Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Cheonggyecheon, National Museum of Korea, The War Memorial of Korea, and other beautiful places.

Even the last in the world a couch potato can not resist plunge into rich Korean culture with such a range of activities.

Moreover, the university is surrounded by diverse cafes, Indian, Italian, Vietnam, Chinese, Japanese and Korean restaurants, shops, banks, pharmacy, hair salons, photo studios, health and dental clinics, fitness clubs, and churches. So, you will never be hungry and bored during your study!

Let’s see what famous brands can be found there side by side with local stores: Starbucks, Innisfree, Subway, Baskin Robbins, Mom’s Touch, Olive Young, Lalavla, and Waffle House.

There are several ways to arrive at the university’s campus:

• Subway: Sookmyung Women’s University Station (line 4) from exit #10, NamYeong Station (line 1 ), Hyochang Park Station (line 6) from exit #2.
• Subway: Sookmyung Women’s University Station (line 4) from exit #10, NamYeong Station (line 1 ), Hyochang Park Station (line 6) from exit #2.

Benefits for international students

Dormitory

As an international student, there are plenty of concerns about living and studying abroad. One of them is housing. However, for Sookmyung students, there is nothing to worry about as the university provides dormitories both for Korean and international students. SMU has 7 different dormitories for international students near the campus. You can choose your own taste and price preferences. The price ranges from 720$ (quad) to 1500$ (single-room). 

Certainly, these dormitories are so close that you will never be late for the class and miss interesting events on the campus!

Facilities

Another advantage is a variety of facilities that make students’ study more convenient and productive. Firstly, I want to mention the library because it is my favorite place on campus. It has all knowledge for subject-related fields and scholastic research papers. The library has its own app, cafeteria, reading rooms, study and PC rooms, and printing facility. You can check more useful information from the library’s main site.

Support

Also, I cannot mention the Office of International Affairs that will go with you hand by hand through all admission process and your studies. One of the facilities that OIA runs is Global Lounge. In Global Lounge international students can study for their classes, watch the news from CNN, CCTV, and NHK. As well, students can participate in ‘Second Language tutoring programs’ and ‘English Speaking Spot’ programs. I prefer spending my free time between classes there with my friends rather than going to the dormitory. It is a really amazing place to find new friends from various countries.

Scholarship for international students

Lastly, the main benefit is a scholarship for international students through admission evaluation based on results of GPA, Interview score, and TOPIK score. There are 4 entrance scholarship categories:

Above all, according to the previous semester’s GPA, the scholarship status can be extended if GPA: 

• Over 3.5 – 100% of Tuition
• Above 3.3 – 70% of Tuition
• Over 3.0 ~ under 3.3 – 50% of Tuition.

It is your turn

To conclude, I study at Sookmyung Women’s University because it is broadly known as the world’s greatest cradle of female leaders. I found My University. If you feel the same, join Sookmyung journey toward the future!