HNU to the World!

Dr. John N. Somerville, also known as Seo Eui-pil in Korean, was the sole surviving member among the seven American missionaries who served as founding members of Hannam University. He passed away on the 11th at the age of 96.

Dr. Somerville was born in South Carolina, USA, in 1928. At the young age of 26, he was sent to Korea as a missionary by the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUSA) in 1954. From 1968 to 1994, he served as a professor in the English and History departments at Hannam University, nurturing future generations of students for 26 years.

The tragic Korean War and the loss of his younger brother, who served in the war, led Dr. Somerville to establish a deep connection with Korea. His interest in the war and Korea transformed into a mission of love and service.

Upon arriving in Korea, Dr. Somerville played a significant role as a member of the founding committee of Hannam University (then known as Daejeon College) and contributed to the establishment of the university. Starting from 1968, he dedicated himself as a professor at Hannam University, teaching students. Dr. Somerville, who was proficient in Korean history, culture, and language, conducted research on Korean genealogy, earning his doctoral degree from Harvard University.

Known as an "American who loved Korea," Dr. Somerville was a figure who actively participated in the educational development and democratization of Korean society. He also organized "Christian Friends of Korea" to support projects for North Korean compatriots. Reflecting his deep affection for Korea, he inscribed the nameplate of his American home in Chinese characters as "牧師 徐義必" (Pastor Seo Eui-pil).

With a keen interest in Korean history and culture, Dr. Somerville collected various artifacts, ancient documents, church history materials, folklore items, and historical resources. He donated them to the Central Museum at Hannam University, where they are preserved as valuable historical materials.
In honor of Dr. Somerville's contributions, Hannam University named the auditorium in the 56th Anniversary Memorial Hall as "Seo Eui-pil Hall," and the "Seo Eui-pil House," where he resided as a missionary, is now utilized as the Indon Institute for Advanced Studies. His presence is felt throughout the university campus.

President Lee Kwang-Sup expressed deep condolences, stating, "We mourn the passing of Dr. Somerville, who spent a long time at Hannam University nurturing students and had a deep love for Korea. We will remember his founding spirit along with the university community."
Hannam University has set up a memorial space in front of Seo Eui-pil Hall on the first floor of the 56th Anniversary Memorial Hall. A commemorative service for Dr. Somerville and a publishing ceremony for his biography are scheduled to be held on June 7th on campus.