University Symbol
The university's symbol is two giant ginkgo trees (Natural Monument No.59). Although these trees are not located on the modern campus of the university, they are considered one of the school's key symbols. Planted in 1519 by Yun Tak, a former president of Sungkyunkwan, they hold symbolic meaning in Confucianism because Confucius is said to have loved reading, pondering, and teaching his disciples under a ginkgo tree. These trees also represent longevity and enlightenment, both held important in Korean culture.
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Famous quotes containing the words university and/or symbol:
“I had a classmate who fitted for college by the lamps of a lighthouse, which was more light, we think, than the University afforded.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The truth has never been of any real value to any human being—it is a symbol for mathematicians and philosophers to pursue. In human relations kindness and lies are worth a thousand truths.”
—Graham Greene (1904–1991)