The university traces its roots to the first modern medical center in Korea, Gwanghyewon () founded in April 1885, now Severance Union Medical College. The institution in its current university form was established in January 1957 through the union of Yonhi College () and Severance. As a tribute, the name "Yonsei" was derived from the first syllables of the names of its two parent institutions, "Yon; " from Yonhi College and "Sei; " from Severance Union Medical College.
