About Yonsei
Being the oldest university in Korea, Yonsei University was first established in 1885 by Christian missionaries. Our mission is to educate leaders who will contribute to humanity in the spirit of “truth and freedom”. Over 360,000 Yonsei alumni, manifesting this proud spirit in leadership positions and keeping this calling at heart, can be found around the world.
Yonsei’s main campus is ensconced in a spacious, picturesque, and natural setting located minutes away from the economic, political, and cultural centers of Seoul’s metropolitan downtown. Yonsei has over 6,300 eminent faculty members who are conducting cutting-edge research across all academic disciplines. 20 graduate schools, 23 colleges, and 161 research institutes/centers host a selective pool of students from around the world.
Yonsei is proud of its history and reputation as a leading institution of higher education and research.
Founding Philosophy
“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Based on this founding philosophy, Yonsei University seeks to cultivate leaders who embody the principles of truth and freedom.
Service
Education at Yonsei is based on strong morals, ethics, and humanism. Yonseians are trained to criticize and evaluate themselves throughout their lives. They develop a sense of duty as leaders to help resolve regional and social problems through love and service. Yonseians are cultivated to become leaders with mutual understanding and respect, a spirit of cooperation, and the principles of love, service, and sacrifice.
Yonsei Advantages
Korea's Premier University with Global Perspectives
Yonsei University has consistently ranked as the top private university in Korea and is taking a leading role in globalizing higher education in Asia.
Lively and Vibrant Urban Culture
Yonsei's main campus at Sinchon is ensconced in a spacious, picturesque, and natural setting that is located minutes away from downtown Seoul.
Leading Summer Program
Yonsei University has hosted one of the oldest and most innovative international summer school programs in Korea since 1985.
Global Partnerships
YISS is administered in partnership with the University of California. Each year, key faculty and over 200 students from the UC system take part in YISS.
Academic Excellence
YISS offers a wide range of courses in the arts, culture, and humanities, Asian and Korean studies, international politics and economics, global management, science and technology, and environmental studies.
Internship Program
Internship opportunities are available for students who wish to acquire direct exposure to global companies located in Korea or lab experience during the summer.
Cultural Excursions & Special Activities
Students can experience Korean culture and participate in a variety of activities and events outside the classroom including field trips and cultural immersion programs.
Global Alumni Network
Our YISS students and faculty come from all over the world. Be a part of the ever-expanding global network of nearly 25,000 YISS alumni.