It began as a small theological educational center, established by Samuel A. Moffett, an American PCUSA missionary.
Teaching began at his home in 1901, before, in 1903, the Presbyterian Council formally agreed to the formation of a theological education center in Korea.
In June 1907, the first class of seven students graduated from the theological course, and among them were the first Korean pastors ordained by the Presbyterian Church: Sun-Joo Kil, Suk-Jin Han, and Ki-Pung Lee.
A new school was launched, under the name of Presbyterian Seminary, gaining accreditation from the government of South Korea in the same year.
Due to its membership of the CCCU, students of PUTS are given the opportunity to apply for study abroad on the Best Semester program.