In August, a few days before the commencement ceremony, a new main gate square welcomed the graduates. Laurel leaves were spread across the entire square circling Seoul National University’s symbol, and a stone chair was placed in front of the colossal “Sha.” It is anticipated that the “Sha” main gate will become the new face of the school and serve to connect its members.

“Sha” main gate through which pedestrians can pass 

The construction work of creating the main gate square took place with the intention of transitioning the entire Gwanak Campus from a car-centered space to a pedestrian-centered open space. When the Gangnam circular road, located in front of the main gate, opened in 2016, the number of cars flowing into the university increased dramatically, thereby worsening the issue of traffic congestion. In particular, during big events attracting a large number of people, the pedestrian paths were limited, pushing the visitors off the roads for vehicles and raising safety issues.  

On August 24, a few days before the commencement ceremony, the construction work to create the main gate square was completed. The four-lane road was turned into a space for pedestrians, allowing not cars but pedestrians to walk through the “Sha” gate. The giant symbol of Seoul National University is engraved in the center of the main gate square, and circling this are laurel leaves, also called “leaves of truth,” spreading outward. The lights installed at both ends of the colossal “Sha” twinkle even at night, creating a beautiful backdrop. 

The shape of the laurel leaves spreading outward symbolizes the spread of knowledge and truth, thereby creating a new meaning and value for society and its mission. Above the giant symbol lies the triangular waterscape facility called the “stairs of knowledge.” As the inorganic matter was deposited to create Gwanak Mountain, the facility is a metaphor for Seoul National University, which was created through the deposition of knowledge. 

 

Space to stay and reminisce

If you follow the spreading laurel leaves, it leads to the stone chair located in front of the colossal “Sha.” This chair, called “the chair of intellect,” is a seat for both those who are invited to be members of Seoul National University and the current members of the university. The shape, which looks like it is going forward, signifies that no one should be satisfied with the status quo. On August 29, when the commencement ceremony took place, graduates sat on the “chair of intellect” at the newly refurbished main gate square, taking pictures and making precious memories at their alma mater with their families. 

The main gate of the university is more than a simple entrance. It is the first point of contact with society among many material objects within the campus as well as a symbol embodying the identity of the university. The “Sha” gate was built when SNU’s comprehensive campus was established at the current location in 1975, and it still continues to secure its place as the “key to the truth” of Seoul National University, just like when it was built back then. We hope that the newly refurbished main gate is loved by many people, becoming a beautiful space welcoming future students dreaming of exploring the truth.