The Schreiner University delegation’s official tour of South Korea began at Soongsil University in Seoul. Founded in 1897 by Dr. William M. Baird, an American Presbyterian missionary, Soongsil holds a distinguished place in history as the nation’s first modern educational institution.

During our visit, we were deeply moved by the White Horse statue on campus. This statue, divided into two parts with a visible disconnection in the middle, reflects the unique history of Soongsil. A university representative explained that this gap represents the period when the school voluntarily closed itself in protest against Japanese shrine worship during the colonial era. It honors the time of interruption endured to preserve faith and national integrity. The image of the white horse leaping toward the sky across that gap powerfully captures Soongsil’s unyielding spirit.

Building on this noble heritage, we met with Dr. Kyungnam Jang, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, to discuss our shared future. We reached a mutual agreement to establish a five-year partnership rooted in our shared Presbyterian (PCUSA) tradition and plan to formalize this through an online signing ceremony soon.

Collaboration with Soongsil University, a top-tier institution in IT, engineering, and business, will offer immense opportunities for our students. Specifically, we look forward to exploring the ethical implications of technological advancements and leading innovation based on Christian values.

We are excited about the transformative potential of this partnership with Soongsil University, an institution that turns historical hardship into a catalyst for growth. Stay tuned for our next update from Keimyung University in Daegu.

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