Yonsei University & YeonHwidong, Seoul, South Korea

Yonsei University is a top university with a scenic campus, while Yeonhui-dong is a quiet area with cozy cafés and local charm. 1034

Yonsei University, founded in 1885, is one of South Korea’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Located in Sinchon, Seoul, its campus is famous for its beautiful stone buildings, lush greenery, and iconic Underwood Hall.

The main entrance to the school

Looking at the backside

Looking at the backside

Yonsei University Underwood Hall

Pinson Hall.  Pinson Hall at Yonsei University is a historic building named after Oliver R. Avison, a missionary and educator closely associated with the university’s early development. Constructed in the 1920s, it served as one of the key facilities during Yonsei’s early years.

Yun Dong-ju (윤동주) (1917–1945) was a beloved Korean poet known for his deeply reflective and poignant works. His poetry captures themes of longing, resistance, and hope during the Japanese colonial period, with a focus on identity, nature, and the human spirit. Some of his most famous poems include “Sky, Wind, Stars, and Poems” and “Self-Portrait.” His writing often expressed subtle resistance to oppression and a desire for freedom.

Yun Dong-ju studied literature at Yonsei University (then Yeonhui College), where he began composing many of his poems. Tragically, he was arrested by Japanese authorities for alleged anti-colonial activities and died in prison at the age of 27. Today, he is considered a national literary hero, with monuments and memorials dedicated to him, including the Yun Dong-ju Memorial Hall near Yonsei University. His poems continue to inspire readers for their sincerity and timeless beauty.

Yonsei University Underwood Hall. Underwood Hall at Yonsei University is a historic building named after the university’s founder, Horace G. Underwood, an American missionary. Completed in 1926, it’s one of the oldest and most iconic structures on campus. Built in a Neo-Gothic style, Underwood Hall reflects traditional collegiate architecture with its stone façade, arched windows, and steep rooflines.

After seeing the school, I walked toward the Laika Cinema

Laika Cinema in Yeonhui-dong is a cozy, independent theater known for showcasing indie films, documentaries, and classic cinema. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, it provides an intimate movie-going experience with a small screening room and a laid-back atmosphere.

I discovered that there were streets with cafés and shops across the this big road, so I went to explore them.

Yeonhui-dong area

Banul Story is a popular craft store in South Korea specializing in knitting, crocheting, and DIY supplies.  It is well-loved for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere and regularly hosts workshops and classes for knitting enthusiasts.

Inside the Banul Story