The top universities in Seoul combine academic excellence with awe-inspiring surroundings, from the prestigious ‘SKY’ universities to the beautiful quads that featured in your favorite K-dramas. Well, if a few Korean celebrities and stars seem to have attended these universities, that’s a big plus, too.
Seoul’s university campuses are very special. They come in a variety of styles, including traditional Korean, European-style, and modern. The campuses also provide opportunities to relax in nature and participate in sports. Let’s take a look at some of Seoul’s prettiest university campuses that will attract you to study there.
Kyung Hee University regarded as one of Korea’s best universities with a stunning campus. The majority of the structures built in the European style, giving them an ancient Greece or Rome feel. The Peace Hall (평화의전당), a gothic-style structure, is the most impressive building. It modeled after a cathedral in Belgium. This structure carry a distinct elegance that rarely seen in Korea.
Several activities held in the Peace Hall, such as concerts, festivals, and idol fan meetings, and you might be able to get inside during one of them. The Central Museum, Natural History Museum, and Hye Jung Museum are all located on the Kyunghee University campus, so there is so much to see.
You will also see thousands of cherry blossom trees in bloom if you visit the university between late March and mid-April. Do you want to go to Kyung Hee University? Dongdaemun is home to the main campus, while Suwon and Gwangneung are home to the other two campuses.
Address: 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
One of Korea’s most prestigious universities and the world’s largest educational institute for women. Mary Scranton, an American missionary, founded Ewha Womans University as an academy of enlightenment and higher education for women. Since its founding in 1886, the university has paved the way for women to be educated and empowered as leaders.
Ehwa Womans University has a modern-style campus as well. The steps leading to Pfeiffer Hall, the most photographed location on campus, are popular with tourists. The architecture unique because of how it built in that way, you must reach the building by going downhill.
The staircase appears to be a valley made of stainless steel and glass at first glance. However, as you progress further into the campus, you’ll discover that the Gothic-style buildings offer an old-world feel to the university. It’s also a popular location for drama shooting.
The area surrounding the university known as Fashion Street, and it is where you can find a variety of k-beauty stores. Furthermore, the Shopping Street lined with hip cafés and boutiques where you can find unique souvenirs at reasonable prices! Ehwa Womans University is a must-see attraction in Seoul for tourists.
Address: 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Yonsei University, a private research university founded in 1885 by Christian missionaries, has one of the most beautiful campuses in South Korea, if not all of East Asia. The main campus is located in Sinchon, in a peaceful and wooded area that is bright with cherry blossoms in the spring.
Yonsei University was ranked 47th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2020 for its positive social impact. It is one of Seoul’s coveted ‘SKY’ universities, has its fair share of competitive spirit. Yonsei University and Korea University often compete in both academics and sports, similar to the current rivalry between Cambridge and Oxford.
Keep an eye out for Appenzeller Hall, Stimson Hall, and Underwood Hall as you take in the Yonsei campus sights. If any of these structures look familiar to you, you’re a real K-drama fan! When these lecture halls aren’t educating the next generation, they’re used as filming locations for famous K-dramas like Reply 1994, Romance is a Bonus Book, and Extraordinary You, and My Sassy Girl.
Address: 50 Yonsei-ro, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Admissions to South Korean universities are notoriously competitive. Similarly, thousands of students compete for a place at Korea University each year. Korea University is an elite academic institution that gives many Korean graduates a head start in their careers.
It is one of the legendary trio of ‘SKY’ universities in Seoul.That is why, along with Seoul National University and Yonsei University, it is one of the most difficult universities to get into.
Korea University also offers outstanding programs in law, journalism, finance, mathematics, and other cutting-edge subjects. When viewed from afar, Western architecture can give the impression of entering the grounds of a palace.
The campus is even more beautiful in the fall, with the reddening trees providing the ideal backdrop for Main Hall and the Graduate School Library.
Address: 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
This university’s name can ring a bell when it comes to filming locations! Sungkyunkwan University, founded in 1398 during the Joseon Dynasty, was established at a time when Korean women were not permitted to attend university, a reality that became the basis for the KBS historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal.
All students are, of course, welcome to attend Sungkyunkwan University today. Perhaps more remarkable, this university has over 600 years of experience grooming South Korea’s future experts and leaders.
Many buildings from the original Sungkyunkwan campus have been preserved and can be seen while visiting the university. While visiting the Seoul city center, be sure to stop by Sungkyunkwan University. Specially to see the Myeongryundang Lecture Hall and Bicheondang’s state examination hall for traditional Korean architecture.
Additionally, a leisurely stroll through the university’s courtyards and ginkgo-lined walking paths would be nice. The colorful foliage really brings the entire campus to life on an autumn day!
Address: 25-2 Sungkyunkwan-ro, Myeongnyun 3(sam)ga-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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