5 Things You Should Know About the Prestigious Seoul National University

South Korean education is making strides and has been performing well. Despite being at the receiving end of controversies relating to student pressure, there is no denying that significant steps have been taken to impart qualitative education. At the helm of South Korean higher education is one of the top universities in Asia and the world, Seoul National University (SNU). It is a dream university for most students and is a gateway to a successful career path.

Like any other university of such status, it is not a piece of cake to be a part of it. Even if you do become a part of it, there is so much you need to know and be prepared for. If you want to pursue qualitative education, then I advise you to strongly consider this university. Just to give you a headstart, I will give a few pointers on what this university is all about. Here are 5 things you should know about SNU.

1. Its History
   SNU has a long history behind it. Its origins can be traced back to the 19^th century when the incumbent Emperor Gojong issued a decree to establish modern higher education institutions. These institutions ultimately became SNU. By virtue of the Imperial Order 49, the Legal Training School was established—the first in the series. During the Japanese occupation, another university called Keijo Imperial University was founded and was renamed to Gyeongseong University following the end of the said occupation. SNU, in its current form, was founded in 1946 which was a result of the merger of 10 higher education institutions in Seoul. In 1975, the university was relocated to the new Gwanak campus.
2. Enrolment and Collaboration
   SNU has consistently performed exemplarily in terms of enrolment. Currently, there are around 28,000 students a significant number of which are international students from all parts of the world including the United States and Europe. The university has entered into collaborations with well-known universities and organizations across the globe. It has signed MoUs with at least 700 academic institutions and the World Bank. The Business school conducts exchange programs in 10 countries. In order to give the university international exposure, many international faculties have been roped in to cater to the needs of international students.

   

3. SNU’s presence
   Holding an indomitable presence in Korea and beyond, SNU has produced a chunk of influential alumni throughout its existence. Its graduates have held and still hold a prominent position in Korean education, politics, and business. The Chiefs of the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) have been graduates of SNU and 1 out of 4 Korean presidents have studied in the university. Bank Ki-moon, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, is one of the many high-profile alumni of this institution. Its accomplishments have been recognized internationally as well. It has been placed in the top 50 among the world’s best and is considered highly prestigious in the field of Engineering and Technology and Social Sciences.
4. Programs Offer at SNU
   There is a wide range of courses available at SNU. There are 83 undergraduate degree programs offered in 16 various affiliated colleges. A total of 99 programs are offered for Master’s and doctoral degree programs. The subject-areas offered include Humanities, Business Administration, Music, Human Ecology, Medicine, Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Pharmacy. The institute has contributed to research work as well, with many research institutes established such as Big Data Institute, Greenbio Research Complex, Institute for Research in Finance and Economics, and Asia Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.

   

5. Rigorous Career Planning
   SNU believes in providing holistic development of its students and is known to spend more on its students than any other university in the country. It has formulated and implemented a systematic career planning program that helps students explore various career options upon graduation. Its Career Development Centre (CDC) Project Mentoring Program is its flagship program that enables students to be supervised by the alumni of the university. This program is offered to undergraduate students and runs for a period of 8 weeks every semester. In addition, standardized tests are implemented so as to prepare students for interviews and professional life ahead.