SNU Hall lobby

Every year over 50,000 people visit Seoul National University (SNU) for a campus tour. These people enter the main gate, the iconic Sha, filled with expectations to enjoy the nature on campus and to learn about the most prestigious university in the nation. However, once they enter people oftentimes face difficulties: how to approach this grand institution? Where to begin searching to know the history and accomplishments of SNU? In order to address these difficulties and to provide a general introduction to the university, the promotion hall SNU Hall was established.

In September SNU Hall officially opened to the public and is now operating regularly. SNU Hall is a promotion hall that exhibits the history, as well as the future vision, of Seoul National University (SNU). It is located on the first floor of the newly built IBK Communication Center (Building 64).

The Rich History of Seoul National University

Historic photos

The content of SNU Hall is diverse. It has a total of seven sections that are labeled History, Academic Information, Educational Environment, Global SNU, Social Responsibility, Future Talent, and Future Activities & Events. When you enter the promotion hall all the historical information about SNU, from its foundation to the present, is displayed in detail. The diverse photos displayed show SNU’s history, from being the first modern national higher education institution in the nation to becoming a national incorporated institution in 2012.

Furthermore, a wall of remembrance is included to honor the noble Seoul National University students who died during crucial historical events in the nation, such as the Korean War and the April Revolution (an uprising in 1960 composed of labor and student groups that led to the resignation of President Syngman Rhee).

SNU’s Academic Footprints Upon the World

Information video

In the section on academics there is a display of various representative research results from distinguished SNU professors. One of the most notable displays introduces Emeritus Professor HYUN Taek-hwan’s ‘nano-grenade’. Professor Hyun developed these ‘grenades’ which travel through the blood vessels and, upon coming across a cancer cell, enter and explode, eradicating the cancer cell.

In addition to research results, the section on academics is also home to precious historical materials. The first map of the nation produced by Joseon Dynasty cartographer KIM Jeong-ho in 1861, called the Daedongyeojido, is now located in SNU Hall. Considered as a particularly advanced map for its time, the Daedongyeojido is a highly treasured relic of Korea’s past. Another treasured relic, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, can be viewed in this section as well. The annals are annual records kept from 1413 to 1865 of the Joseon Dynasty. They are currently listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. SNU Hall provides an opportunity for visitors to view such important relics to learn more about the university and the nation.

A University Open for All

IBK Communication Center

For those curious about international partnership programs SNU has with foreign universities or research institutions, visiting the Global SNU section will provide some answers. The specific information on various programs SNU currently has will be found in this section. Another interesting section is the Social Responsibility section. SNU’s social projects and volunteer work programs are shown, with colorful photos displaying the extent of SNU’s outreach.

In the last section of SNU Hall SNU’s future vision and its efforts to continue educating talented and influential individuals are displayed. SNU’s ambition to continue leading the way, both nationally and internationally, can be felt at the end of the hall.

The promotion hall can be found in the IBK Communication Center, which was built just this year and is noted for its unique design. The large wood panels decorating its outer walls appear inviting. SNU Hall displays information in a simple yet modern manner. In certain sections it incorporates modern technology such as projections and touch screens that allows visitors to interact with the information provided. SNU Hall is also appealing to the eye, with its soft lighting and clean atmosphere.

SNU Hall outlines the rich history of Seoul National University, including both the difficulties and improvements SNU has experienced, and its aspirations for the future. Essentially it is a place for alumni and individuals connected to the SNU community to get to know their history. In particular, for foreigner visitors it provides an opportunity to learn more about an institution that has played such a pivotal role in Korea’s modern history. SNU Hall welcomes young aspiring high school students, devoted parents and citizens, and nostalgic alumni to reminisce and dream.

In order to visit SNU Hall, tours (which are free of cost) must be reserved in advance..
To schedule your tour, contact the Seoul National University Public Relations Team (+82-2-880-9071 or +82-70-8815-1524).

This article refers to information provided in the Korean article linked below.
http://www.snu.ac.kr/news?bm=v&bbsidx=120840

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 Melora Brett Briana Johnson, SNU English Editor, morningcalm2@gmail.com