Pusan National University

See the legacy of post-war Korea on display when you walk around Pusan National University, one of the country’s 10 national universities founded in 1946. Following a motto of “Truth, Freedom, Service,” it has contributed to Korea’s remarkable economic and political recovery. Stroll across the campus to see the sights on display. Then spend some time on the student-friendly streets nearby to get a sense of what the leaders of Korea’s future look like.

Emerge from the subway and walk toward the northern gate, the entrance to a campus built by collaboration between the local community and the U.S. military government. Admire how the architecture is silhouetted against the green slopes of Geumjong Mountain, which rises in the background.

Make your way toward the spectacular architectural sculpture known as Rainbow Gate. Nearby, spot the Tower of Great Leap, whose magnificent bronze eagle references the fact that Geumjong Mountain was once known as Eagle Rock for the birds that roosted there. See the reliefs on each tower face that reference the university’s motto.

Go toward the mountain and climb the 60 steps that were created along the ridge to Moonchangdae, a spiritual symbol of the university itself. Breathe in the fresh air as the students pass along below, going from class to class. Join them as they head out of the gates onto the streets of the city, where charming small shops and restaurants cater to every taste.

Find Pusan National University’s main campus in the Geumjeong-gu district north of downtown Busan. Reach the university’s main subway stop in 30 minutes from the central station. Take the train from the airport in an hour or from downtown in 15 minutes. Limited metered parking is available on campus but it fills quite quickly, so the bus is often the easiest way to reach the area. A shuttle is available around the campus and from the subway stop to the campus proper.

The campus is open for visitors daily, and the shops and restaurants around the university stay open quite late.