숙명여자대학교

About University

Sookmyung Women’s University, known as the “cradle of Korean women’s leadership,” is a prestigious private women’s university in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, founded in 1906 by the Imperial House of the Korean Empire. With over a century of history and tradition, Sookmyung Women’s University takes pride in being Korea’s first private women’s educational institution, upholding its motto of “Virtue, Wisdom, and Magnanimity.” Located in central Seoul, in the transportation hub of Yongsan, the university offers students excellent accessibility and rich cultural experiences. True to its name, Sookmyung has focused on nurturing “graceful and bright women,” and stands as a symbol of women’s higher education and a stage for innovation. The university’s greatest strengths are its “women-specialized education” and “global competitiveness.” Sookmyung was the first in Korea to introduce a women’s ROTC program, paving the way for female leadership, and its students excel in a wide range of majors including IT, media, foreign languages, arts, design, and business. In particular, the fields of dance, music, vocal performance, as well as the Division of International Trade and Foreign Languages, and the Division of Media, are renowned nationwide. Students build practical skills through hands-on curricula and industry-academia cooperation programs, enabling them to enter society immediately after graduation. Another strength is its extensive internationalization, with exchange and dual degree programs, as well as global internships, offered in partnership with over 300 universities worldwide. Numerous distinguished alumnae attest to Sookmyung’s social impact. World-renowned ballerina Kang Sue-jin, golf legend Pak Se-ri, popular actresses Um Aing-ran and Jeon Won-joo, broadcaster Lady Jane, announcers Bae Hyun-jin and Jang Ye-won, and many others from the arts, sports, broadcasting, and politics are Sookmyung graduates making their mark. Notable figures such as Lee Woo-jung, star writer of the “Reply” series, leading announcers at major broadcasters, and executives at global companies have grown into leaders in Korean society. Few universities demonstrate the keyword “women’s advancement in society” as strongly as Sookmyung. Its pride lies in having produced countless female talents who have led the times throughout its 100-year history. Support for international students is also outstanding. Sookmyung Women’s University is certified by the Ministry of Education as an “IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System)” university, offering preferential benefits in visa issuance and scholarships. The university provides a variety of English-taught courses and major-specific Korean language classes, with hundreds of international students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs each year. Modern dormitories such as Myungjaegwan and International House offer safe and comfortable living environments. New students can apply for dormitory accommodation online, and scholarships for international students (covering housing and living expenses) are regularly available. A dedicated administrative team provides meticulous support for visas, daily life, academics, and career counseling, and various programs such as global mentoring, Korean cultural experiences, and local language tutoring help international students adapt smoothly. The urban campus in Yongsan offers excellent transportation convenience, with easy access to subway and bus transfers, and proximity to major Seoul attractions for cultural and leisure activities. On campus, state-of-the-art lecture halls, libraries, sports facilities, student centers, cafes, and convenience stores provide a well-equipped living infrastructure. At Sookmyung Women’s University, where tradition and modernity coexist, you can grow into a female leader who will shape the future of Korean society. For international students aspiring to become “Sookmyungians who challenge the world,” Sookmyung Women’s University is the best choice.