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Symbols

University Symbols /

Symbols

Main Gate

The SNU Main Gate: 샤 (‘Sha’)

The colossal ‘Sha’ - shaped main gate is the most recognizable representation of Seoul National
University. It has served as a symbol for SNU ever since the school moved to its current location on
Gwanak campus in the 1970s. The first consonants of 국립대학법인서울대학교 (Seoul National University) -
‘ㄱ’, ‘ㅅ’, and ‘ㄷ’ - come together to form the shape of a key, which symbolizes the key to truth in “truth
is my light,” the university motto.

Alma Mater

SNU Alma Mater

Written by Lee Byung Ki (이병기) /
Composed by Hyun Jaemyung (현제명)

School Tree

The Zelkova Tree

Generosity that embraces all

The zelkova tree is a symbol of strength and generosity. It is known for its fine timber and beautiful
texture, leading to its common use in woodworking. With its elegant leaves and stems, as well as its resistance to pests and diseases, It is a tree that represents the spirit of ancient times. The vitality of the zelkova tree is
in line with our founding philosophy: the willingness to accommodate the world’s accumulated wisdom within
our halls of knowledge, and to provide for the continuation of this practice into the future. Our university embraces the world, spreading as widely as the Zelkova’s lush branches offering to all, and aims to maintain the spirit of knowledge as loftily as the Zelkova’s upstanding trunk

School Bird

The Crane

The soaring spirit of dignity

The image of a pure white crane soaring high in the air represents SNU’s determination to rise above
the tangled concerns of worldly life and focus solely on academic excellence.

The Crane Couple

This sculpture was made on October 14, 1988 to mark the university's 52nd anniversary.
Created by SNU alumnus Lee Hyung-kuk (Department of Economics 1960-68) and built by Emeritus
Professor Eom Tae-jung (Department of Sculpture), the sculpture measures 540cm x 540cm x 740cm
and shows the widely spread wings and legs of a crane. The body of the sculpture was made with
bronze while the pedestal was made with yellow stone. ‘Together into the Future,’ is etched into the
sculpture in the handwriting of former president of South Korea, Kim Dae-jung.