Yonsei University — one of Korea’s most prestigious schools and the “Y” in the famous SKY universities — shares its massive campus with Severance Hospital, making it feel even larger and more dynamic.
Depending on where you start from, the route to Yonsei varies, but if you’re taking the subway, the closest station is Sinchon (Line 2) - use Exit 2 or 3.
Over ten different bus lines (153, 171, 172, 270, 272, 601, 672, 673, 700, 707) also stop at the main gate, so the easiest way is to check directions via Naver Map or KakaoMap, setting your starting point and Yonsei University Main Gate as the destination.
๐ Tip: Korea is still a divided nation, so detailed map data is restricted for military security reasons. As a result, worldwide services like Google Maps may not be as accurate as Korea-based maps. Kakao Map and Naver Map, on the other hand, focus primarily on Korean users, so switching them to English may produce less accurate results. Therefore, it’s a good idea to use both Google Maps and Korean-based maps for navigation.
Yonsei Campus Tour
Yonsei offers official campus tours for visitors — especially those considering admission or international students.
These are not general sightseeing tours but organised visits introducing campus life, history, and facilities.
If you’re interested, you can book one in advance here:
๐ Yonsei Campus Tour Application (English Site)
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| Yonsei Campus Map |
Cafeterias Worth Trying on Campus
There are several student cafeterias open to the public at Yonsei.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly — just like eating lunch among real Yonsei students.
Prices are very reasonable (₩5,000 ~ ₩8,000 for visitors), and the menus change daily.
Burulsaem (๋ถ๋ฅผ์) – Buffet-Style Set Meals
- Student Union Building, 1st floor (near the Centennial Hall)
- Open 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on weekdays (Only open during school term)
Despite the “buffet” name, it’s actually a set menu that changes daily. For example, on the day I visited, the menu included black bean stir-fried noodles (jjajang noodles), sweet-and-sour pork, dumplings, egg soup, salad with thousand island dressing, kimchi, and rice. A filling but balanced Korean-style lunch. Students pay ₩7,000, visitors ₩8,000.
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| Burulsaem Entrance |
Matnasaem (๋ง๋์) – Simple & Quick Meals
- Student Union Building, Basement
- Open 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM on weekdays (Break on 14 PM - 16 PM) / Saturday 9:00 AM - 14:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
If you want something light or fast, this is a good pick.
Menu sections are divided into Hot Bowl, Soban (Tray meals), and Noodles.
Prices range from ₩2,500 for ramen to ₩5,500 for rice bowls (add ₩500 for visitors).
Try the Flying Fish Roe Stone Bowl (Al-bap) or Naju Beef Soup (Gomtang). Even though we’re not big eaters, the portion felt a bit small, and the loin cutlet set on the next table looked so good that we ended up ordering one more to share. Meals come with a few side dishes you can help yourself to at the self-bar. The food comes out quickly — usually right after ordering.
Goreulsaem (๊ณ ๋ฅผ์) – Western & Fusion Style
- Student Union Building, 1st floor (near the Main Auditorium)
- School term: 11 AM - 18:50 PM/ Off-term: 11 AM - 18:20 PM/ Saturday 11:00 AM - 14:30PM (Closed on Sunday)
This cafeteria specialises in Western and fusion dishes.
The menu is huge — over 30 items — so it’s literally a “choose what you like” place.
Main sections include:- Oven dishes (gratin, oven spaghetti, pilaf, oven rice)
- Pasta (Korean-style fusion included)
Visitors pay about ₩400~₩800 more than students. If you love cheese, this place would be a great option. If you’re indecisive, it might take a while to choose — everything looks good!
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| Goreulsaem Menu – Another local restaurant, diverse choices: Variety of Menu – Options are abundant; it can be hard to choose just one. |
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How to Pay (for Visitors)
Yonsei students usually use the Yammi app for payments,
But visitors can simply pay through kiosks near the entrance of each cafeteria.
๐ก Tip:All Korean domestic cards are accepted, including Kakao, Naver and Samsung Pay. If your card has a VISA or MasterCard logo, you’ll have no problem. Apple and Google Pay are limited. Select English on the kiosk screen before paying to avoid system errors. After payment, just go to the relevant food section (Hot Bowl, Western, etc.) and pick up your tray.Photo Spots Around Yonsei
| Location |
Highlight |
| Underwood Hall |
Classic red-brick building with Yonsei logo backdrop |
| Baekyang-ro (Ginkgo-yellow maple Avenue) |
Iconic fall foliage shot — “Yonsei certified” photo spot |
| Central Library Steps |
White marble stairs with blue sky background |
| Centennial Hall Plaza |
Wide open space with an impressive architectural vibe |
| Main Gate (Front Stone Monument) |
Perfect for your “Yonsei University” sign photo |
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Yonsei University Entrance & Sign – Iconic photo spot for visitors.
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| Near Library: Eagle Statue – Symbol of Yonsei University. |
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| Close-Up of Eagle Statue – Perfect for detail shots |
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| Underwood Hall – one of the main building of Yonsei University; Horace Grant Underwood statue at the front. |
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| Across from Underwood Hall: Yu Eok-Gyeom Memorial Hall & Yeonhui Hall – Home to the Social Sciences College and Graduate School of Administration. |
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| Stone Stair Leading to Underwood Hall – Scenic staircase, great for perspective shots. |
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| View from Top of Stone Stair: Best season for visiting is autumn when maple leaves turn yellow |
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| Yeonhui Hall Facade with Vines – Beautiful ivy-covered walls create a charming scene. |
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| Front of Library: First Yonsei President Statue – Statue of Dr. Baek Nak-jun, first president of Yonsei University. |
Final Tip
Don’t expect fine dining — but for the experience of eating among real Yonsei students, it’s unbeatable.
It’s inexpensive, filling, and a fun glimpse into everyday campus life.
If you visit during lunch hours, the lively student energy makes the meal even more enjoyable!
*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.
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