SSU's 127th Anniversary: From the First to the Best—Celebrating 70 Years of Reconstruction in Seoul and the Continuation of the Soongsil Spirit

     SSU is an institution with a history that began in Pyongyang, which is founded on the principles of truth and service. It is the nation’s first university based on the spirit of Christianity. When Soongsil was established, the country was at the end of the Korean Empire, still struggling to escape from feudal remnants and premodern thinking. In this context, SSU embraced the unique mission of actively adopting Western culture to modernize the country. It was established to cultivate talented individuals armed with the spirit of Christianity and the ideology of ‘truth and service’. To achieve this mission, our school is putting together the efforts of our directors, alumni, faculty, and students.

     SSU has undergone several significant challenges, including extreme situations such as school closures, to grow into what it is today. In 1897, American missionary Dr. Baird established the school in Pyongyang. It became the first modern university in Korea, but was voluntarily closed in 1938, as it refuses to comply with the Japanese Empire’s demands to visit the shrine. The school was rebuilt in Seoul 16 years after its closure.

     In 2008, the u-SAINT integrated information system was launched, and, in 2009, the university was recognized as the best institution for students with disabilities. In 2010, it participated in the Ministry of Public Administration and Security’s administrative information joint use project for the first time, establishing the Department of Finance as a specialized department. In 2012, it was selected for the IT (Information Technology) technical manpower training project, and was recognized as an excellent educational institution with a credit banking system. In 2013, it was named the best university in the mechanical field by the Ministry of Education, and received the Grand Prize for true education in Korea. In 2014, it was recognized as the best university for industry-academic cooperation from a corporate perspective, and, in 2015, it received accolades for industry-academic cooperation. In 2016, it was selected for the Leading University Project in the creative industry. In 2018, it was designated as a software-centered university, and received recognition for its educational welfare support for students with disabilities. Subsequently, in 2019, it was chosen for the university innovation support project, along with the initial start-up package and preliminary start-up package support projects. The campus town creation project was selected, and, in 2020, it was recognized as a LINC+ 4th Industrial Revolution Innovative Leading University Support Project.
     This year marks the 127th anniversary of SSU’s establishment in Pyongyang and the 70th anniversary of its reconstruction in Seoul. In commemoration of these significant milestones, a special event was held at The Plaza Hotel on October 10th. The ceremony highlighted the university’s long history and values, and laid the foundation for its future vision.

     This year marks the 127th anniversary of SSU’s establishment in Pyongyang and the 70th anniversary of its reconstruction in Seoul. In commemoration of these significant milestones, a special event was held at The Plaza Hotel on October 10th. The ceremony highlighted the university’s long history and values, and laid the foundation for its future vision.

     An array of distinguished guests graced the event, including members of the National Assembly, figures from the political, academic, and financial sectors, as well as faculty, representatives from the student union, media personnel, and alumni. It started at 6 p.m., and the event lasted approximately three hours. Before the main proceedings, Chairman Oh Jung-hyun and President Jang Beom-sik greeted guests at the photo wall, personally welcoming the attendees. Some of the guests recorded congratulatory messages for the university.

     The first part of the event opened with the introduction of the distinguished guests, followed by a commemorative video that highlighted the rich history and growth of SSU. This was followed by a performance from the Westminster Choir and a scripture reading by the university’s head chaplain, reflecting on SSU’s founding Christian principles. In their welcoming speeches, Chairman Oh and President Jang shared the school’s past accomplishments and outlined its future ambitions. Next, Pastor Lee Dong-won from Global Mission Church gave a benediction, after the first part concluded with a celebratory cake cutting and a group photo session.

     The second part of the evening featured a dinner accompanied by performances from the Gracia Ensemble and the Band AUX. With the toast raised, guests at each table engaged in lively conversation, as they exchanged congratulatory remarks and gave thanks. The event blended elegant music and exquisite dining, as attendees shared the significance of SSU’s 127 years of history and 70 years of reconstruction. The celebratory atmosphere was palpable as the evening ended. To express gratitude, guests were gifted with commemorative items, including a celadon tea set and an SSU diffuser. This large-scale event, which was held outside of the campus, was a meaningful occasion to reflect on the university’s rich legacy and to reaffirm its commitment to future growth. Those in attendance left with a renewed sense of pride in SSU as a pioneer of Korean education, and expressed their support for the bright future ahead. ST eagerly anticipates SSU’s continuing role as a trailblazer in education, which is firmly rooted in the ideals of truth and service, as it shapes an even more brilliant future.
 

Kim Ichelle (ST Reporter)

inchellekim@soongsil.ac.kr

Park Si-eun (ST Reporter)

sally4480@soongsil.ac.kr