Postby javiskefka » May 10th, 2008 4:48 pm
I just wanted to make a note about my observations of the aesthetics of the different campuses that I have been to in Korea.
As for Ewha, I remember that it's quite hilly, and there was a big, new construction underway the last time that I saw it. It must be finished by now though. To be honest, I was usually in a bit of a hurry to pass through whenever I my way took me there, because I felt a little awkward about being on an all-women's campus.
Yonsei has both modern looking buildings as well as a few classic old structures. It also has an impressive avenue running through the middle, and it abuts a mountain park with extensive trails. The gentle, tree-lined paths create an environment perfect for contemplating the mysteries of life, and they burst with color during the autumn months.
i don't have anything substantial to say about the Sogang campus, because I only ever saw it from a bus.
A key factor for these three campuses is the proximity of the Sinchon and Edae districts. It's really a playground for students, full of restaurants, noraebang, cafes, bars, etc. In my limited opinion, it's the most vibrant and youthful area in Seoul. Of course you could say that this comes at a cost, as the remains of the night before can make early mornings there a little hairy.
Seoul National University seemed sprawling and modern to me. I was jet-lagged and taking shelter under an umbrella from the monsoon rains at the time that I saw it, though, so it didn't make a strong impression on me.
Korea University on the other hand had a very beautiful campus. Verdant lawns with joyful students lounging on blankets stretched out before me, the grass cut occasionally by entrances to an innovative underground mall. Monumental edifices dedicated to the pursuit of higher learning stood on the periphery. I had seen enough to be impressed, and I had barely seen the area near the front gate.
I hope my descriptions are helpful, or at least entertaining.