SOGANG UNIVERSITY: Be Obedient to the Truth

The image of Christ the Redeemer welcomes everyone at the St. Ignatius House

I visited Sogang University (서강대학교) this weekend and explored the campus. It is one of the leading research and liberal arts universities in Seoul, South Korea.The University was established in 1960 by the Society of Jesus to provide education based on the Catholic beliefs and inspired by the Jesuit educational philosophy, such as Georgetown University in the U.S and Sophia University in Japan.  Indeed, it is the Korean version of Ateneo.

 The Altar 

 The baptismal font

 Statue of the founder, Fr. Theodore Geppert. S.J.

 Statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Jesuit order

True to its dedication, it ranked 1st in Korea among 4-year universities without medical schools in JoongAng Ilbo University Ranking Evaluation in 2008 and 2nd in Korea in terms of reputation of graduates' ability in Chosun Ilbo University Ranking Evaluation in 2009.

 The iconic monument in the campus with the university motto: Obedire Veritati (Be Obedient to the Truth)

 The tomb? of Fr. Theodore Geppert. S.J.

Catholic Universities are hard to find here in Korea, as the country is predominantly Buddhist, Protestant and other religious sects.  The Chapel is so serene inside. The simple design of a broken host at the center symbolizes the unity with Christ. The baptismal font with a large holy spirit as its background also evokes a prayerful mood as sunlight pierces from the ceiling.