Introducing SHINE: SNU’s official student ambassadors

There are students who know every corner of the Gwanak campus — and proudly represent Seoul National University to visitors. Meet SHINE, SNU’s official student ambassadors. The name “SHINE” combines two words: “샤(Sha)”, a shorthand for Seoul National University, and “人(In)”, meaning “person.” Together, the name reflects their mission: to be people who illuminate and embody the spirit of SNU. This spring, SHINE launched a new walking tour during the club fair, offering current students insider tips and stories only upperclassmen would know. We joined one of their tours to experience it firsthand, and heard more about SHINE.

Previously, SHINE’s campus tours were offered exclusively to prospective and newly admitted students. But starting in March, for the first time, current students could join by signing up at the SHINE booth during the club fair. The new program was designed to help students rediscover SNU’s history and sprawling campus through a fresh lens.

Kim Taeeun (SHINE 43rd, Department of Biology Education)

“Tours for freshmen focus on basic things like cafeterias, colleges, and majors. But for current students, we shared more practical tips — like the best study spots. We even shared our unfiltered opinions about the campus food.” — Kim Taeeun

“Surprisingly, many students don’t know the story behind Jahayeon Pond. We make sure to spotlight places that even seniors might graduate without ever learning about unless we tell them.” — Bak Hyun

SHINE was first established in 1997.

Each semester, SHINE members outline a rough plan for the next. They then hold a workshop to refine every detail. It takes about one to two months of planning and meetings to finalize the tour program.

“Most of the group tours are for middle and high school students. After the tour, they ask questions like: ‘Is the cafeteria food good?’ or ‘What’s the festival like?’ or even ‘Have you dated on campus?’ (laughs). High schoolers often stay behind to ask about academic worries.” — Kim Taeeun

“We also offer bus tours around the outer loop of the Gwanak campus. I stand at the front and introduce the colleges almost like a safari guide giving a tour. You can feel their pure curiosity just from the way they listen.” — Choi Minyong

“I love walking tours just as much. We divide the routes by college and walk through campus after the main tour, pointing out buildings and their stories. It really draws people in.” — Bak Hyun

SHINE members write their own tour scripts. Some key topics — such as Jahayeon, the club fair, the Foreign Language Theater Festival, and Democracy Path — are required. The rest is left up to each member to research. Many refer to scripts from past members to help shape their own.

Choi Minyong (left), SHINE 43rd, College of Medicine / Bak Hyun (right), SHINE 44th, College of Liberal Studies

“Whenever something changes on campus, we have to track it down ourselves. Like when the Central Library's old hall was renamed the Veritas classrooms — we couldn't risk giving wrong info.” — Bak Hyun

“I tend to be a bit too energetic, so during training, I had to practice toning things down. Tours are official events after all (laughs). I put a lot of thought into making the script both clear and engaging, choosing just the right moments for humor or extra context.” — Choi Minyong

“The introduction is the most important part of the script. One of my go-to openings is: “What’s the official animal symbol of SNU?” If they can name other schools’ mascots but not ours, I tease them — ‘That hurts!’ It’s a great way to break the ice.” — Kim Taeeun

Every tour script gets a final review to make sure it’s clear, welcoming, and student-focused.

SHINE members lead tours two to three times a week, totaling around 20 sessions each semester. They schedule their activities around class hours and even participate in tours during school breaks.

“I joined SHINE in my sophomore year, when I was still getting used to university life. Repeating the script while walking around campus helped me settle in — and over time, SNU started to feel familiar, even comfortable.” — Kim Taeeun

“Before joining SHINE, I didn’t know why there were memorials on campus, or that Jahayeon had a statue. But once I learned the stories, I realized every space here carries meaning. There’s no such thing as an insignificant place.” — Bak Hyun

“Now when I walk around campus with friends, I naturally start pointing things out (laughs). Since I know so much about SNU, I introduce everything with affection. That’s a big change SHINE brought to my life.” — Choi Minyong

When people at SNU feel connected to the campus, it makes it easier for us to introduce it to others.

For the student ambassadors of SHINE, the most meaningful part of the experience is connecting with visitors in a sincere and approachable way. If you come across a SHINE tour in action — flag in hand, moving through campus — feel free to say hello. It’s one small gesture that makes the SNU experience a little more welcoming, for everyone.