Founded 1905 · Anam, SeoulWed 20 May 2026

Korea University

Science & Engineering and historic Main Campus · Anam, Seoul

10:00 AM - 1:00 PMKorea University · Science & Engineering and Main Campus

On 20 May 2026, our group had the opportunity to visit the campus of Korea University. Founded in 1905, Korea University is one of the top universities in Seoul and boasts a vibrant academic environment and rich traditions. It rained for most of the morning — which, if anything, only made the crimson brick and grey granite feel more like itself. Here is our visit, chapter by chapter.

Arrival · in the rain

The Science & Engineering campus

We came up from Anam Station and walked the last stretch under a forest of umbrellas, the pavements slick and the campus quiet in the drizzle. Upon arrival at the Science and Engineering Campus, we were warmly welcomed by Professor Paul Seo and his students.

The modern glass Science & Engineering campus building — The Science & Engineering campus — all glass and grey on a wet morning.

Approaching the Korea University campus from the street

Crossing a covered walkway under umbrellas

The rain-soaked campus road lined with trees

A welcome · research

Meeting the lab

After the initial welcome, the students gave us a brief introduction to their research in computer science, which gave us a basic understanding of the university's research focus and ongoing projects. From a "Research Roadmap" of the lab's work to a paper on goal-oriented LLM agents, it was a quick but vivid window into what the group is building.

A host introducing the lab's research roadmap

A student presenting research to the seated group

The group listening to the research introduction

III

Across the rain to the old campus

The historic main campus

Afterwards, we walked to the main campus and visited Dr. William STEWART. With his guidance, we saw the mix of historic stone buildings and modern facilities — none more striking than the great granite hall standing over its wide lawn, exactly the Korea University you picture before you arrive.

Est. 1905. Crimson and granite — and a tiger for a mascot. Few campuses wear their history quite so plainly.

The historic granite main hall of Korea University framed by pines — The historic main hall — castle-grey granite, even greyer in the rain.

The grand main building across the central lawn — The main building across the central lawn.

The group lined up for a photo in front of the historic hall — Umbrellas up, for the group photo.

Granite, glass and 1905

The museum & the great hall

Later, we visited the Korea University Museum. The museum displays a range of artifacts from different periods, including ancient pottery, scrolls, and everyday items from the Joseon era. Walking through the exhibits gave us a basic sense of how Korean culture and history developed over time — from a painted tiger, the university's own emblem, to the long story of its student newspaper. Above it all soared a glass-domed atrium, with the founding year, 1905, set right into the floor.

The glass-domed oculus atrium of the Centennial Memorial Hall — Looking up through the great glass dome.

A traditional painting of a tiger, Korea University's emblem — The tiger — the university's emblem.

A museum panel on the history of the student newspaper — A century of the student paper.

Scale architectural models of the campus under glass — The campus, in miniature.

The group gathered on the atrium floor marked 1905 — Standing on 1905.

A group photo in the glass atrium — Regrouping under the dome.

Thank-yous

Presenting our souvenirs

Before we left, we expressed our gratitude with souvenirs — to Professor Paul Seo and his students for the warm welcome and the research introduction, and to Dr. William Stewart, who had walked us through the old campus in the rain and never once let the weather dampen the tour.

Presenting a souvenir to Professor Paul Seo in the lab — Prof. Paul Seo.

Presenting a souvenir to Dr. William Stewart in front of the main hall — Our thanks to Dr. William Stewart.

A second souvenir handover under umbrellas by the main building — Umbrellas and gratitude.

A thank-you gift handed to one of the student presenters — A thank-you to the student hosts.

In conclusion, our visit to Korea University was an enriching experience. We had a great time learning about the professors' research and Korean culture, broadening our horizons.