Sungkyunkwan University

Sungkyunkwan University is a large private university in Seoul, South Korea. The university has two campuses: the Humanities and Social Sciences campus in Myeongnyun-dong, Jongno-gu in central Seoul, and the Natural Sciences Campus in Suwon. The literal meaning of "Sungkyunkwan" is "an institution for building a harmonious society of perfected human beings." Eighteen schools and three colleges offer degrees at the bachelor's level, and twelve graduate schools confer various degrees at both the masters and doctoral levels. It is considered to be one of the major universities in the country. [http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/features/universities2000/rank_country/index.html#13 Internationally World Ranking based on the Science Citation Index (SCI) as 228th.

History

See also: Seonggyungwan

The Seonggyungwan was established in 1398 to offer prayers and memorials to Confucius and his disciples, and to promote the study of the Confucian canon. It was located in the capital Hanseong, modern-day Seoul. It followed the example of the Goryeo-period Gukjagam, which in its later years was also known by the name "Seonggyungwan." The Sungkyunkwan was Korea's foremost institution of higher learning under the Joseon dynasty education system.

After World War II, with the emergence of the Republic of Korea, the Old Sungkyunkwan reincorporated as a private institution. As Korea modernized and underwent social and economic reforms, the University grew rapidly to keep up with the diverse demands of the advancing country. In 1946, the entering class numbered 155; the number of the Sungkyunkwan's graduates totaled about 130,000. While a long history alone cannot guarantee the excellence of an institution, the rich culture that exudes from a long tradition is surely a unique and valuable asset of the University. The Sungkyunkwan now operates two campuses: the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus and the Natural Sciences Campus.

University motto

The University's motto, Humanity, Righteousness, Propriety, and Wisdom reflects the basic spirit of Confucianism. These four cardinal virtues express humankind's four inherent elements of spirit, action, conscience, and intellect. Humanity abides in the heart that loves; righteousness abides in the heart that knows right from wrong; propriety abides in the heart that knows forbearance; and wisdom abides in the heart that perceives. Confucian philosophy attests to man's innate goodness, and at the same time recognizes that this quality must nevertheless be awakened and nurtured. These four principles, which comprise the University's philosophy of instruction, are the basis for higher education's goals of the search for truth and the establishment of social justice, which are, in turn, based on humanity.

University symbol

The two giant ginkgo trees (Natural Monument No.59) are enough to draw the visitor's attention. Although these trees are not located on the modern campus of the university, they are considered one of the school's key symbols. Planted in 1519 by Yun Tak (president of the old Seonggyungwan), they hold symbolic meaning in Confucianism because Confucius is said to have loved reading, pondering, and teaching his disciples under a ginkgo tree. These trees also represent longevity and enlightenment, both held important in Korean culture.

Faculties

Data from April 2005 ^* - Confucian and Oriental Studies:10 - Liberal Art: 11 - Humanities: 70 - Law: 25 - Social Sciences: 40 - Economics: 33 - Business Administration: 23 - Human Life Sciences: 14 - Education: 17 - Art: 24 - Natural Sciences: 54 - Electrical and Computer Engineering: 58 - Engineering: 127 - Pharmacy: 20 - Life Science and Natural Resources: 19 - Sport Science: 12 - Medicine: 457 - Sungkyun Language Institute: 32 - The Academy of East Asian Studies: 3 - Graduate School of Business Administaration: 20 - Others: 6 Full-Time Professors: 49% · Associate: 27% · Assistant: 19% · Full-Time Lecturers: 5% Total: 1,075

Budget and facilities

Annual Budget : 2,873 billion won (^*) °Budget from Tuition : 1,294 billion won (45%) °Budget from University Foundation : 6,22 billion won (21,6%) (Total financial settlement of accounts at the end of the year 2002)

Current Library Holdings : 1,510,000 (Bound volumes) °The Central Library : 900,000 / The Science Library : 560,000 / The Library of Medicine : 50,000 Experimental Equipment Holdings : 7,79 billion won(Around 42 thousand in counting) °Humanities and Social Sciences Campus : 45 billion won(Around 19 thousand in counting) Natural Sciences Campus : 7,34 billion won (Around 23 thousand in counting)

University Area : 2,076 acres °Humanities and Social Sciences Campus : 9.7 acres / Natural Sciences Campus : 36.8 acres Tobong Varsity Teams Training Center : 3.6 acres / Botanical Gardens : 24.7 acres Samchuk Oceanside Retreat : 0.2 acres / Research Area : 96.6 acres Other forests and fields : 36.3 acres

Building Area : 25 acres °Humanities and Social Sciences Campus : 9.8 acres Natural Sciences Campus : 15.2 acres

Notes

External links

1398 establishments | Universities and colleges in Seoul

Sungkyunkwan University | 성균관대학교 | 成均馆大学

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