In anticipation of the school’s 130th anniversary next year, Yonsei has created a new university identity (UI) design intended to embody its essence as a prestigious and globally-minded private university, one founded upon intellectual freedom and committed to convergence education and research. Providing an integrated image of Yonsei’s history, mission, and academic endeavors, the new UI seeks to enhance the university’s brand value.
In November 2012, the Office of External Affairs and Development launched the UI design project in order to create an image better suited to the digital media era, while representing the integration of Yonsei’s three campuses (Sinchon, Songdo, and Wonju) and Severance Hospital. A number of surveys were taken and reports prepared before the new UI design was approved last February by the university administration.
According to surveys, Yonseians wanted a UI that reflects Yonsei’s unique tradition and history, while highlighting its emergence as an elite private university. As such, the current symbols remain part of the UI, but they have been modified to enhance visibility and signify Yonsei’s status as a leader in innovation and convergence technology. The book and the torch have been enlarged for greater clarity, as has the shield, which symbolizes truth and freedom. At the same time, the Korean characters ㅇ and ㅅ (signifying the sky, earth, and human being) have been reshaped to achieve greater balance. The shield’s outer lines have been removed to create a neater appearance, while the circle’s form has been made more distinctive. Additionally, the English typography has been refined to make it more readable on digital media platforms. The overall harmony of the new design, then, reflects the unity of all Yonseians and the integration of all its campuses.