Located in Seoul, the Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business is an innovative, technology-focused institution that makes an ideal learning environment for students from Korea and around the world. Keep reading for five interesting facts about their academic and cultural history, and to discover why they’d be a great choice for any prospective MBA student.
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) enjoys a considerable amount of prestige, not only in Korea but also around the world. It’s renowned for its rich history, innovative spirit, international environment, and the career opportunities it offers to its graduates.
Not only is SKKU the best business school in Korea and in the top 1% globally, but it’s also been ranked as #13 in the world in terms of the career progress it offers its students. Indeed, the numbers speak for themselves. In 2021, 94% of graduates received a salary increase and 91% were employed three months after the conclusion of their course.
Aside from impressive career development opportunities, the university is located in the heart of Seoul’s cultural center, making it an ideal place to study. It’s surrounded by everything from historical sites and museums to vibrant restaurants and cafes.
Many top schools are proud of their famous alumni, but did you know that Sungkyunkwan University has a royal alumnus?
King Sejong the Great, who ruled Korea between 1418-1450, actually attended Sungkyunkwan University himself. He’s largely regarded as being one of the best kings in Korean history.
Not only is he “best known for crafting Korea’s alphabet, Hangul,” (00:05) but he was also a lauded scholar who prioritized scholarship and education and promoted cultural, economic, and social research.
The fact that Sungkyunkwan University appears on Korea’s 1,000 won banknote makes its important role in the country’s history clear.
If you look closely at the Korean 1,000 won banknote, you can see SKKU’s famous Myeongryundang Lecture Hall “juxtaposed with flowers and former University President and Confucian scholar Yi Wang.” (00:12)
The Myeongryundang Lecture Hall is one of the historic Joseon-era buildings that’s still on campus. In its courtyard, you can find a ginkgo tree that’s a natural monument and is thought to be over 500 years old.
Once again, the Sungkyunkwan University demonstrates how integrated it is with Korea’s rich culture and history: it’s home to Korea’s first library.
The Jongyeonggak Library was built in 1475. The name Jongyeonggak literally means “to revere the classics highly” (00:18) showing the library’s values. In fact, it originally only housed Confucian books!
The SKKU Graduate School of Business was founded in 2004 in partnership with MIT Sloan with help from the Samsung Foundation. For such a new school, it has already become well-established and respected both in Korea and around the world.
However, did you know that Sungkyunkwan University has 620 years of rich history in total? The institution was “founded in 1398 as a Royal Confucian Academy.” (00:24).
SKKU GSB already has an impressive reputation both in Korea and internationally. They’re proud to be the first business school in Korea that offers globalized MBA and business programs, as well as being “fully taught in English.” (00:29)
In terms of rankings, SKKU GSB is listed as the best business school in Korea and has been included in the top 50 MBA programs in the world since 2012 by the Financial Times.
