Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
History & Mission
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is one of South Korea’s most historic and prestigious institutions, tracing its roots back to 1398 when it was founded as a royal Confucian academy. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a modern, research-intensive university that blends tradition with innovation. The philosophy of SKKU emphasizes moral leadership, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to society — all rooted in its Confucian heritage.
Academic Culture & Research
SKKU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, arts, and business. It is well-known for strong research output — especially in Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, and Nanoscience. The Engineering and Business schools are particularly prominent, and SKKU has strong links with industry (e.g., Samsung)
Internationalization & Student Life.
SKKU has a significant international student body (~4,000) from around the world. The university offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including admission scholarships (10–100% waiver) and merit scholarships based on academic performance. Students can study in either Korean or English programs, depending on their major. Life on campus is a mix of historic tradition (some buildings are architectural heritage) and state-of-the-art facilities, with two main campuses (one in Seoul, one in Suwon).
Campus & Facilities
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Seoul Campus: Humanities and social science departments, historic architecture, green spaces
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Suwon (Natural Sciences) Campus: Labs, engineering buildings, newer campus facilities.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships: SKKU provides generous support, especially for high-achieving international students.
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Student Life: There are many student clubs, cultural activities, and opportunities to engage with Korean tradition, given the university’s history.

