Yonsei University

Yonsei University: A Comprehensive Overview

Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is South Korea’s oldest private research university, located in Seoul. A SKY university, it enrolls 38,000+ students, including 15% international students from 90+ countries, across 400+ programs. Renowned for medicine, business, and engineering, Yonsei ranks among Asia’s top institutions, driving innovation and global engagement.

History

Founded by Christian missionaries, Yonsei began as Korea’s first modern hospital and college. It became a university in 1957, merging Yonhi College and Severance Medical School. Yonsei led South Korea’s modernization, admitting women in 1946 and fostering democratization. Its global alumni network has shaped South Korea’s economic and cultural growth for over 140 years.

Academic Structure

Yonsei’s 19 colleges across Sinchon, Songdo, and Wonju campuses include Medicine, Business, Engineering, Law, and Underwood International College (UIC). Offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, 150+ are English-taught. Interdisciplinary options like dual degrees and online courses enhance flexibility, with strengths in AI and global studies.

Prominent Faculties and Departments

The College of Medicine, with Severance Hospital, is Korea’s best, leading in cardiology. The School of Business, AACSB-accredited, ranks top 10 in Asia. The College of Engineering excels in robotics, while UIC offers liberal arts. Research centers like Yonsei Science Park produce 3,500+ publications and secure KRW 150 billion ($110 million) annually.

Research Activities

Yonsei leads in biomedical sciences, green energy, and smart manufacturing, with 120+ research institutes. It collaborates with Harvard and MIT, holding 1,500+ patents. Research addresses global health and sustainability, with strong industry ties to Samsung and Hyundai, fostering startup ecosystems.

International Rankings

Yonsei ranks 80th in QS World University Rankings 2025, 150th in THE 2023, and top 10 in Asia (QS 2023). It excels in medicine and business (top 50, QS 2023), with graduate employability in the global top 50 (QS 2022).

Campus Life

Yonsei’s Sinchon campus blends traditional and modern architecture, with facilities like the Global Lounge. With 200+ student clubs, festivals like Akaraka, and Seoul’s vibrant Hongdae area, campus life is dynamic. International students access orientation, housing, and language programs, enhancing integration.

Notable Alumni

Alumni include Ban Ki-moon (former UN Secretary-General), Samsung’s Lee Kun-hee, and filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. The 300,000+ alumni network impacts global policy, technology, and culture.

Future Goals

Yonsei’s 2035 Vision targets global top 50 status, expanding AI, health, and sustainability research. It aims for carbon neutrality by 2040, investing KRW 600 billion in infrastructure like a Smart Campus, and enhancing global partnerships and inclusivity.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate admission (20% acceptance rate) requires a high school diploma (85% CBSE), TOEFL 79, or IELTS 6.5 for English programs. Graduate programs need a bachelor’s degree (3.0 GPA), SOP, and LORs. International applicants apply via Yonsei’s portal (October 2025 for spring, April 2025 for fall), with KRW 20 million ($15,000) funds for a visa ($60). Tuition is KRW 4–8 million/semester ($3,000–$6,000); scholarships like Global Korea cover costs.

Contact Information

Address: 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Phone: +82-2-2123-2114; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.yonsei.ac.kr; Housing: [email protected].

Conclusion

Yonsei’s 140-year legacy, top rankings, and vibrant Seoul campus make it a global leader. With innovative research, diverse programs, and robust support, Yonsei offers an exceptional platform for academic and societal impact.