Pyon Su Memorial Ceremony

Who was Pyon Su?

Pyon Su (1861-1891) was the first Korean to graduate from an American university. In 1883, at age 22, he first visited the U.S. as a member of King Gojong's Bobingsa diplomatic mission. After the failed Gapsin Coup, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1886 and enrolled at Maryland Agricultural College (now University of Maryland, College Park) in 1887, graduating as valedictorian in 1891. While still a student, he worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1890. Tragically, in October 1891, shortly after graduation, he died in a train accident near his alma mater at the age of 30.

Memorial Activities

Every year, Arirang USA Community visits the "Pyon Su Room" and memorial at the University of Maryland College Park campus, and pays tribute at his grave at St. Joseph's Catholic Church cemetery in Beltsville. We also collaborate with UMD professors including Dr. Robert Ramsey (East Asian Languages) and Dr. Kim Young-hee (Korean Studies) to publicize Pyon Su's achievements.

Historical Significance

• First Korean to graduate from a U.S. university (1891, valedictorian)
• First visited the U.S. in 1883 as part of King Gojong's Bobingsa mission
• A historical link between Maryland and Korea spanning over 130 years
• "Pyon Su Room" and informational plaque still present on UMD campus