Seoul National University

Korea's Most Prestigious University Since 1946

#29 World RankingFounded 1946Seoul, South Korea16 Colleges

Suneung Percentile

95-99%

Program dependent

International GPA

3.8-4.0/4.0

Country specific

World Ranking

#29

QS World Universities

Total Students

28,000+

Including 3,000+ international

About Seoul National University (SNU)

Seoul National University (SNU) stands as South Korea's most prestigious and internationally recognized comprehensive research university, established in 1946 with over 78 years of continuous academic excellence, research innovation, and educational leadership that has fundamentally shaped modern Korean higher education, scientific research, and intellectual discourse throughout Korea, East Asia, and the global community while maintaining its position as one of Asia's most distinguished and internationally acclaimed universities consistently ranking among the world's top 30 institutions for research excellence, academic quality, and global impact. Located in Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital and one of Asia's most important technological and economic centers known for its rapid modernization, innovative technology companies, dynamic business environment, rich cultural heritage, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional educational opportunities, Seoul National University has evolved into one of Asia's most influential comprehensive institutions, serving 28,000+ students including distinguished scholars from around the world who benefit from exceptional academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, world-renowned faculty including numerous internationally acclaimed researchers, and the extraordinary advantages of studying in one of the world's most technologically advanced, culturally rich, and economically dynamic cities that offers unparalleled opportunities for academic growth, research collaboration, technological innovation, and personal development while experiencing the perfect blend of traditional Korean values, modern innovation, and international connectivity that creates an ideal environment for higher education and scholarly pursuits in the heart of Northeast Asia's economic and technological powerhouse.

Distinguished for its world-renowned research programs and academic excellence that have produced numerous breakthrough discoveries and innovations throughout the scientific, technological, medical, and engineering communities, exceptional faculty including Nobel Prize nominees, distinguished researchers, and internationally acclaimed scholars who drive advancement across multiple disciplines from engineering and natural sciences to humanities and social sciences, comprehensive academic offerings spanning 16 colleges with deep roots in Korean scholarly traditions and strong connections to international research networks, and strategic partnerships with leading global universities, research institutions, and technology companies worldwide, Seoul National University maintains its position as a premier center for comprehensive education and interdisciplinary research while serving as a vital bridge between Korean innovation and global academic excellence, traditional values and modern technology, local heritage and international perspectives throughout Asia and beyond. The university's unique location in Seoul provides students with exceptional access to major technology companies including Samsung, LG, and Hyundai, cutting-edge research facilities, government institutions, and cultural organizations while its rigorous academic environment ensures that students receive comprehensive education grounded in analytical thinking, innovative research, and technological advancement. SNU's holistic approach emphasizes excellence in teaching and research, technological innovation, and global collaboration, creating graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for leadership roles in technology, business, research, government, and academia while contributing meaningfully to scientific advancement, technological innovation, and economic development through innovative research, rigorous analysis, and commitment to advancing knowledge and human progress in the tradition of Korean academic excellence, East Asian scholarly cooperation, and global educational leadership that has made Seoul National University a cornerstone of modern comprehensive university education and research excellence in Korea and throughout the world.

SNU Excellence Indicators

#29
QS World University Rankings
#1
Korean Universities
78
Years of Excellence
3,000+
International Students
₩800B
Annual Budget

Academic & Research Excellence

  • Engineering: World-leading technology and innovation programs
  • Medicine: Top-ranked medical school and hospital system
  • Natural Sciences: Cutting-edge research in physics and chemistry
  • Business: Premier business school with global recognition
  • Law: Leading legal education and research in Korea
  • Social Sciences: Excellence in economics, political science, and sociology

Korea & Global Advantages

  • Technology Hub: Home to Samsung, LG, and global tech leaders
  • Innovation Culture: Leading R&D investment and startup ecosystem
  • Cultural Heritage: Rich traditional and modern Korean culture
  • Economic Powerhouse: 12th largest economy globally
  • Research Excellence: World-class facilities and funding
  • Global Connectivity: Strategic location in Northeast Asia

SNU's Global Impact & Distinguished Alumni

Seoul National University's distinguished alumni network includes Korean presidents, Nobel Prize nominees, technology pioneers, and business leaders who continue to shape global understanding, technological advancement, and economic development through their groundbreaking work, innovative leadership, and commitment to advancing human knowledge through excellence, innovation, and rigorous scholarship in the tradition of Korean academic excellence and global educational cooperation.

Political & Government Leaders

  • Korean Presidents and Prime Ministers
  • Cabinet ministers and senior officials
  • Supreme Court justices and legal professionals
  • Diplomats and international organization leaders

Technology & Business Leaders

  • Samsung, LG, and Hyundai executives
  • Technology company founders and CEOs
  • Banking and financial services leaders
  • Startup entrepreneurs and innovators

Academic & Research Leaders

  • University presidents and research directors
  • Nobel Prize nominees and distinguished scientists
  • Leading medical researchers and doctors
  • Engineering and technology innovators

Cultural & Media Leaders

  • K-pop and entertainment industry leaders
  • Film directors and cultural ambassadors
  • Media executives and journalists
  • Artists and literary figures

Suneung & Korean Requirements 2025

Detailed Suneung Requirements by Program

Study ProgramSuneung PercentileSubject RequirementsAdditional Requirements
Medicine99%+Korean 98%+, Math 99%+, Science 99%+Interview + Essay + Medical aptitude
Dentistry98-99%Korean 95%+, Math 98%+, Science 98%+Practical assessment + Interview
Engineering96-98%Math 97%+, Physics 95%+, Chemistry 90%+Technical aptitude + Portfolio
Natural Sciences95-97%Math 95%+, Two sciences 90%+Laboratory skills + Research potential
Business95-97%Korean 90%+, Math 95%+, English 90%+Case study + Leadership experience
Law95-97%Korean 95%+, Social Studies 90%+Legal reasoning + Writing assessment
Liberal Arts90-95%Korean 90%+, Social Studies 85%+Essay writing + Cultural knowledge
Social Sciences90-95%Korean 85%+, Social Studies 90%+Research methodology + Analysis
Agriculture & Life Sciences85-90%Biology 85%+, Chemistry 80%+Environmental awareness + Practical skills
Education85-90%Subject-specific requirementsTeaching aptitude + Communication skills

SNU Excellence Standard: Seoul National University maintains the highest admission standards in Korea reflecting its position as the nation's most prestigious university. Suneung (CSAT) percentiles indicate performance relative to all test takers. Medical programs require near-perfect scores and are extremely competitive. Strong Korean language proficiency is essential for most programs as instruction is primarily in Korean. International students may have alternative pathways through special admission programs. Always verify current requirements on SNU's official website as standards are highly competitive and may vary by year and program capacity.

SNU Excellence & Korean Innovation Advantage

Academic & Research Excellence

  • National Leadership: #1 university in Korea for decades
  • Research Excellence: ₩800B budget with world-class facilities
  • Distinguished Faculty: Top scholars and researchers from worldwide
  • Comprehensive Programs: 16 colleges with national recognition
  • Innovation Culture: Leading technology transfer and patents
  • Global Partnerships: Collaborations with top universities worldwide

Korea & East Asia Advantages

  • Technology Capital: Samsung, LG, Hyundai headquarters
  • Innovation Ecosystem: World's highest R&D investment ratio
  • Cultural Influence: Global Korean Wave (Hallyu) center
  • Economic Growth: Advanced industrial and service economy
  • Strategic Location: Gateway to Northeast Asia markets
  • Modern Infrastructure: World-class technology and transportation

Your Gateway to Korea's Premier University

Seoul National University represents the pinnacle of Korean higher education excellence and academic leadership, where students gain access to unparalleled educational opportunities, world-class research programs, distinguished faculty, and over 78 years of continuous academic excellence while experiencing the extraordinary advantages of studying in Seoul, one of Asia's most dynamic capitals known for its technological innovation, cultural vibrancy, economic growth, educational excellence, and strategic importance in Northeast Asia. With exceptional programs across 16 colleges including engineering, medicine, natural sciences, and business, SNU empowers students from around the world to pursue their academic passions while contributing meaningfully to global knowledge advancement, technological innovation, and cross-cultural understanding through rigorous education, innovative research, and commitment to excellence in the tradition of Korean academic leadership and international scholarly cooperation.

Ready to Join Korea's Most Prestigious University?

Take the first step toward an extraordinary academic journey at Korea's top university, where tradition meets innovation at the heart of Northeast Asia's technological powerhouse.

National Excellence
#1 Korean University
Innovation Leadership
Technology and research hub
Korean Advantage
Global technology center

SNU Success Formula: The university seeks students who combine exceptional academic achievement with innovative thinking, cultural curiosity, and commitment to excellence. Your journey to SNU begins with outstanding Suneung performance or equivalent international qualifications, strong Korean or English language proficiency, and clear understanding of how Seoul National University's unique combination of Korean academic traditions, technological innovation, research excellence, and Korea's strategic advantages will enhance your education and prepare you for significant contributions to global progress through rigorous scholarship, innovative research, cross-cultural collaboration, and lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge in the tradition of Korean academic excellence, East Asian cooperation, and global educational leadership that has made Seoul National University a cornerstone of modern comprehensive university education and research excellence throughout Korea and the world.