A Tradition of Excellence

Distinguished People

THE GLOBAL LEADER, SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY

A university that will continue to inherit and advance the essence of the nation with commitment

Cho Kwang-jo

Cho Kwang-jo(1482 - 1519) Cho Kwang-jo entered the Old Sungkyunkwan in 1510 at age 29, during a time full of hope for political reform. Under the patronage of King Chongjong, who took the throne away from the tyrannical ruler Yonsan, Cho was a pioneer in breaking away from superstitions and in correcting the previous government's wrongdoings. He sought to put into effect a "village code" that encouraged Confucians manners, such as mutual assistance in time of need. Although many of his plans were obstructed, historians consider him the most revolutionary reformer in the 500-year history of the Chosun Dynasty.