A Study on the Discovery and Historical Significance of the School Song of Pyongyang Soongsil

This study aims to analyze the historical significance of the school songs sung at Pyongyang Soongsil University. Soongsil University was established under the leadership of foreign missionaries, and through this process, Western-style music and school songs were introduced. This paper explores the lyrics and musical characteristics of the school songs sung from the early days of Pyongyang Soongsil University until its closure and examines the educational philosophy and Christian spirit that Soongsil University pursued through these songs. Furthermore, it discusses how the school songs contributed to instilling pride among students and strengthening the identity of the school. It was confirmed that the school songs of Soongsil University symbolized the identity of the institution and played a role in strengthening the bonds among its members. The school songs of Soongsil University also played a role in promoting national pride in line with the historical context of the time. The songs held significance beyond being mere school anthems for the students, and through them, the spirit of the nation was fostered within the school community. In this historical context, it was confirmed that the school songs of Soongsil University went beyond being part of a particular school culture and became important symbolic elements of modern Korean education. Moreover, as the school songs developed under the musical influence of the missionaries, they not only held religious significance but also contributed to the students' academic education and spiritual cultivation. The lyrics of the school songs reflected Christian values and beliefs, instilling faith and moral responsibility in the students. This shows that the school songs functioned as symbols that combined the academic goals of Soongsil University with its Christian ideals. This study comprehensively analyzes these elements and discusses how the school songs can be connected to the Soongsil University of today, ultimately proposing ways to restore and modernize the use of Soongsil University's school songs.