Located in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Sejong University (SJU) is a private four-year comprehensive university known for its academic innovation, historic legacy, and commitment to excellence in education and research. Founded on May 20, 1940, as Kyŏngsŏng Humanities Middle School by Ju-Youngha, it has grown into one of Korea’s most prestigious institutions. It was renamed Sejong University in 1978, drawing inspiration from King Sejong, the fourth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, known for his dedication to education and the creation of Hangul.
Academic Structure and Reputation
Sejong University operates under the Daeyang Education Foundation and currently has 9 undergraduate colleges, 1 liberal arts college, and 7 graduate schools (1 general, 1 professional, and 5 special graduate schools). As of today, the university is led by its 15th president, Eom Jong-hwa.
Sejong University is renowned for pioneering Korea’s first Hotel Management Department in 1968 and remains a leader in hospitality education globally. Its department of Hotel, Tourism and Food Service Management was ranked 6th globally (1st in Korea) by ARWU in 2022. In the field of science and engineering, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering reached 27th worldwide and 1st nationally in Water Resources Engineering (USN&WR, 2024).
Global Rankings Snapshot
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 396th globally, 12th in Korea
- QS Asia University Rankings 2024: 76th in Asia, 12th in Korea
- THE World Rankings 2025: 201-250th globally, 7-8th in Korea
- THE Asia Rankings 2023: 39th in Asia, 9th in Korea
- ARWU 2023: 401-500th globally, 9-12th in Korea
- CWUR 2024: 659th globally, 18th in Korea
- USN&WR 2024: 241st globally, 3rd in Korea
- CWTS 2024 (based on top 10% citation rate): 325th globally, 2nd in Korea
- Nature Index 2018: within top 500 globally, 18th nationally
Research and Innovation
Sejong University is recognized as a research-driven institution. Eleven departments—including three in the humanities, seven in the sciences, and one in the arts—have been ranked among the world’s top 100 in their respective fields. The university heavily invests in IT and engineering disciplines and has created six new departments in advanced science and engineering as part of Korea’s Ministry of Education’s capacity expansion initiative in 2023 and 2024.
Symbolism and School Identity
Sejong University’s name and spirit are deeply rooted in the legacy of King Sejong. The school emblem incorporates symbols such as:
- Angbuilgu: representing King Sejong’s love for his people
- Laurel wreath: symbolizing victory
- Agape: expressing Christian values of altruistic love
The university mascot, Serini, is a baby giraffe inspired by the tall Daeyang Tower on campus, representing students’ aspirations to grow tall and strong intellectually.
School Colors:
- Crimson Red (#b93234)
- Gray (#46515b)
- Additional official shades include Beige, Light Gold, Ivory, Silver, and Warm Grays.
Educational Philosophy
Sejong University’s motto, “Create, Like Sejong,” reflects its aim to nurture students who embody creativity, virtue, service, and practical engagement. Its founding ideology merges Christian compassion, Sejong’s educational legacy, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Campus and Facilities
The university’s urban campus is directly connected to Seoul Metro Line 7 at Children’s Grand Park Station (Exit 6), making it one of the most accessible campuses in Seoul. Nearby landmarks include Konkuk University and Seoul Children’s Grand Park. The 117,804.2㎡ campus includes state-of-the-art research centers like the Daeyang AI Center, along with art halls, museums, and student amenities.
A highlight is the Sejong University Museum, opened in 1973, which is Korea’s first lifestyle folk museum and houses over 5,000 artifacts, including 14 designated as national folk heritage.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Sejong’s undergraduate programs span humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, arts, and advanced IT. Notable colleges include:
- Hotel and Tourism Management
- Artificial Intelligence Convergence College
- Engineering College
- Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences
Graduate offerings include specialized MBAs, public policy, fine arts, tourism, and AI-focused interdisciplinary programs.
Legacy and Vision
Founded by independence activist Ju-Youngha, Sejong University continues to embody his passion for national progress through education. His legacy is reflected in the university’s dedication to nurturing leaders who prioritize public good over personal gain and promote cultural creativity.
Sejong University strives to be the “leading university in the world”—a place where excellent faculty cultivate top-tier talents to address global challenges and innovate for the future.
Official Website: https://www.sejong.ac.kr
