As Korea University approaches its 120th anniversary in 2025, making it one of Korea's oldest institutions of higher education, renowned for preserving a strong identity over its long history. While many organizations see their identity evolve or their cohesion weaken over time, Korea University has maintained its distinct character and a sense of unity among its members, earning its place as Korea's beloved "national private university." But what has sustained this enduring identity and widespread respect?

One key factor is the iconography associated with the university, namely the color crimson and the tiger symbol. Crimson stirs passion, igniting pride and affection for the university among its members. The tiger symbolizes courage and dignity, reinforcing the university's strong identity and fostering unity. During significant events, the campus is adorned with banners and flags featuring the golden tiger on a crimson backdrop, creating an atmosphere imbued with Korea University's essence and inculcating a deep sense of connection and empowerment among its community members.

This also resonates nationally. Crimson, often associated with the passionate spirit of Koreans, is a common color in national team strips, particularly in soccer. Meanwhile, the tiger, once native to Korea, has long held cultural and historical significance, even serving as the official mascot of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. This alignment between Korea University’s iconography and Korean identity naturally reinforces the university's connection with the Korean people.

While crimson and the tiger constitute the official iconography of the university, literary and artistic works created by individual KU members also play a significant role in shaping Korea University's identity. Many alumni have set their written works at Korea University, thereby capturing the university's spirit in ways that have resonated deeply with succeeding generations. These range from popular anthems to highly acclaimed poems and novels.

One of the most enduring and widely sung university anthems is Ode to Makgeolli. This song is an adapted version of the university’s official cheering song, with music composed by Lee Heung-ryeol and lyrics by Jo Ji-hoon. While the original cheering song is rarely sung, this adapted version remains a favorite because its lyrics effectively capture the essence of Korea University’s identity.

Drink boldly, like a true man, drink makgeolli! Beer is bland—send it back to Sinchon!
Pour and drink until we're drunk—You drink, I drink, we all drink together!
Korea University, the university of makgeolli, Oh, Korea University, the university of makgeolli!
Drink makgeolli boldly, like a true man.
Manchuria is ours; the Pacific shall not be ceded!

The power of the lyrics lies in their use of pure Korean words, which resonate more deeply than Sino-Korean vocabulary. Ode to Makgeolli skillfully synchronizes rhythm and meaning using simple Korean language. The repetition of "drink" six times and "man" twice, coupled with the rhythmic sounds of the consonant “s” in the phrase “send it back to Sinchon”, evokes a refreshing sensation reminiscent of drinking a glass of makgeolli. The lyrics, which romanticize toasting and drinking, culminate in a wish for the recovery and expansion of our territory, with the phrase “Manchuria is ours” naturally linked to “Korea University.” The university’s name itself reflects the vision of reclaiming the glory and spirit of Goguryeo, which once ruled over Manchuria. These lyrics encapsulate Korea University’s ethos while embodying the illustrious history and indomitable spirit of the Korean people. They highlight the university’s strong identity, while also possessing a universality that encompasses the spirit of the entire nation.

An ode is a song that praises and extols a particular subject. When a group collectively sings in praise of something, it fosters strong cohesion and solidarity among its members. Korea University possesses such an ode, which naturally unites its members as one. Here, the object of praise is makgeolli, which, for Koreans, is both a traditional beverage and a local staple.

Thus, when singing a song that praises makgeolli, the group becomes unified, experiencing a profound sense of Korean identity. Ode to Makgeolli is not only a cheering anthem for Korea University but also a song of the nation.

In contrast, the poem Korea University by the renowned poet and professor Oh Tak-bon offers a more literary portrayal of the university’s identity. With keen poetic observation and rich imagery, the poem conveys Korea University's unique spirit and universal appeal.

There is no nameplate at the main gate of Korea University.
At the gates of Seoul National University or Yonsei University,
shining bronze plaques proclaim the names of these schools.
But at Korea University's main gate, no nameplate exists.
It’s strange—everyone seems to know the name of a nameless university,
and no one has ever asked what it’s called.

Literary works like this, which capture Korea University's ethos through metaphor and symbolism, are valuable cultural assets not only for the university but also for Korean literature as a whole. The production and accumulation of such works play a crucial role in sustaining the university’s strong identity and broad cultural significance.

INTERVIEW

This past spring, Korea University Press published Anam-dong Blues by Professor Ko Hyung-jin, an emeritus professor of Department of Korean Language Education at Korea University and a literary critic for over 30 years. Motivated by a desire to preserve both the intangible and the tangible heritage of the university as it approaches its 120th anniversary in 2025, the book introduces the unique culture and stories of Korea University. On a crisp autumn day, Professor Ko shared with us his deep ties to the university and the significance of its legacy.

A Protégé of Professor Oh Tak-bon and an Authority on Baek Seok

Professor Ko is an alumnus of Korea University’s Department of Korean Language Education. His love for literature was sparked during his college years under the mentorship of Professor Oh Tak-bon, the author of the poem Korea University. Inspired by Professor Oh’s classes, Ko immersed himself in the world of Korean literature and began his academic journey in 1981 with a master’s thesis on the poet Baek Seok. At the time, Baek Seok’s works were largely unknown due to his association with North Korea. Professor Ko’s groundbreaking work, including The Complete Poems of Baek Seok and other critical studies, has made significant contributions to the field of Korean literary research.

Anam-dong Blues: Celebrating the Legacy of Korea University

Published in February 2024, Anam-dong Blues is a heartfelt tribute to Korea University. The first part of the book explores literary works that feature the university, while the second part reflects on its professors, school songs, and library through personal essays. The book uncovers fascinating stories embedded in these dimensions of the university, positioning them as valuable parts of the school’s cultural heritage. It also delves into unique university legends, such as "the 100-won Ahjussi" and "Geonillius," that have been passed down through the generations.

“There used to be a beggar at the underpass near the main gate, who was known for asking for ‘just 100 won’ for decades. Dressed in shabby clothes and with his leg shaking, he would always give exact change if someone gave him more than 100 won. Rumor had it that anyone approached by ‘the 100-won Ahjussi,’ as he was called by students, would achieve success. Then there was another character, ‘Geonillius,’ who earned his name by walking endlessly across campus. He never spoke, no matter who approached him, and strolled through rain or snow. Speculation ranged from him being an undercover police officer, a philosopher lost in thought, or a law exam hopeful who’d fallen on hard times.”

Why are figures like the 100-won Ahjussi and Geonillius no longer seen on campus today? Professor Ko attributes this to the university’s evolving character.
“In the past, universities were ivory tower spaces, uniquely set apart from society. They attracted thinkers and wanderers. But today, campuses resemble polished urban spaces, leaving less room for such unconventional figures.”

Looking to the Future of Korea University

Even after his retirement, Professor Ko continues to teach undergraduate courses, such as Appreciation of Modern Korean Poetry. While he recognizes the generational differences between himself and his students, he hopes they can all appreciate and carry forward the rich heritage of Korea University.

“Students today live in a completely different world, so I don’t presume to offer life advice based on my own experiences. However, I want them to know that Korea University is a cornerstone of Korea’s modern and contemporary history, a place where the nation’s greatest minds have gathered. These individuals left behind a treasure trove of literature and records, offering not only a sense of pride but also a wellspring of imagination and values that will be crucial for the future.”

As conveyed in Anam-dong Blues, Professor Ko hopes the university’s spirit and culture will continue to resonate across generations, connecting the Korea University family of yesterday, today, and tomorrow in an ever-changing world.