When asked about the most beautiful university campuses in Korea, the campus of Seoul National University (SNU) is seldom mentioned. Instead, campuses such as those of Kyung Hee University, with its traditional gothic-style buildings, or Ewha Women’s University, with its sleek, modern avant-garde buildings, are often the most highly regarded in the nation.

SNU’s main campus does not conjure an image of stunning brilliance, but rather of a plot of land with a mundane array of buildings. In fact, the main aspect of the campus that remains in a visitor’s memory is that the campus is allegedly very, very big. True, the campus is large. And yes, perhaps SNU’s campus does not have many iconic or architecturally dazzling structures but this does not mean that the campus does not have much to offer. Knowing where to look, and when to look, is the key to seeing the beauty that is not apparent.

The hills that surround us: While the usual go-to places such as Jaha Pond and the large Budeulgol field are iconic to the university, there are less-known locations that are intriguing. Lying in the heart of Gwanak Mountain, nature’s serenity envelopes the territory. To truly appreciate the beauty of the mountains the best place to go is on the hills of the soccer field. The hills are steep but there are a few steps to sit on as well. On all four sides nature seems breathtakingly comforting, and with the fresh air that blows gently across your face, you forget that you are still in Seoul, the capital city of the country.

Right time: The best time to appreciate the contour of Gwanak Mountain is after dark, long into the night. The soccer field is dark, the stadium lights turned off, and the light sky softly illuminates the mountain tops. It is especially serene when the moon is overhead. The moonlight shines and stars twinkle and you are transported to a time when these were the brightest lights of all.

A path for the romantic: The Central Library hardly evokes any feelings of romance. Its grey walls and stoic bricks remind one of an anonymous institution. Or perhaps that is only because of what the library stands for: a place for intense cramming and unhealthy all-nighters. Nevertheless, it is a surprising fact that at night, once all daylight has gone, the pathway from the Central Library to the Engineering Buildings resembles a scene from a romantic French movie where the protagonist proposes to his soul mate. The trees that line the path are lit as well as the wooden benches that are placed right in between the trees. It is the perfect walk for a breather after consecutive hours of studying in the library; long enough to clear your mind, short enough to not make you tired.

Right time: Most people probably do not notice this path because its true beauty only appears when all light is gone. The best time to appreciate the walkway is well into the night, when everything is pitch black. Singles be warned: because of its romantic atmosphere many couples can be seen, innocently holding hands and whispering sweet words of love.

Goodbye, sun: The College of Music and Arts area is artsy. The buildings are brick brown and the music coming from the pianos, strings, and singers naturally adds an air of exotic lushness to the environment. But the hidden jewel is the stairway from the College of Music leading to the dormitory. The stairway is located in the narrow walkway between two buildings, the Concert Hall and the Design Research Center. At the top of the first set of stairs there is a balcony that juts out toward the narrow opening. Stand on it and the edges of the buildings close in, so only a thin area is open for view. When standing above the stairway on the protruding surface, one feels as if one is standing in an amphitheater with a roaring crowd of supporters, Caesar-style.

Right time: The most glorious moment on this platform is during sunset. At this time, the sun’s last rays can be seen through the narrow strip between the buildings, and the rays tingle your face as the sun waves goodbye.

Beauty is all around us when you know where and when to look. Keep your eyes open.

Written by OH Jung Eun, SNU English Editor, josefinaoh@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr
Proofread by Brett Johnson, SNU English Editor, morningcalm2@gmail.com