For 120 years, Yonsei has nurtured leaders who contribute to our community and humankind based upon the spirit of “truth and freedom.”

We take deep pride in our contributions as a leader in Korean history over the past 120 years. During its first 60 years, Yonsei played a central role in Korea's enlightenment, particularly in the development of modern medical science and the preservation of Korean classics. Over the next 60 years, Yonsei played a pivotal role in the modernization of the country. In our dynamic world with its global competition and innovations in technology, Yonseians must now realize a new calling, particularly as we prepare for a unified Korea.

To celebrate our 120th anniversary, we declare our Yonsei Vision 2020.

Stationed as we are on the global research frontier, we seek to establish five academic disciplines among the 10 best in the world within five years and to be ranked within the top 50 in scientific and engineering research overall. As a learning ground that pursues the truth, we seek to move beyond our status as Korea's leading university to the level of one of the world's premier universities.

Yonsei nurtures leaders who serve their neighbors and devote themselves to the global community. We strive to be a university that is beloved and trusted around the world, with the goal of providing servant leadership to society though education and service.

Yonsei will be a leader that provides creative changes to university education. We will cultivate an innovative culture that respects tradition without, however, being yoked to the past. We will adhere to fundamental principles without avoiding the challenges or opportunities that come with them.

Upon fulfilling this vision, Yonsei will be a place where the world's talented youth will want to belong, where the world's prominent scholars will conduct their research and where esteemed alumni will be honored.

This embodies the vision we pursue in "Yonsei, the First and the Best."