Konkuk University (Korean: 건국대학교; Hanja: 建國大學校) is a South Korean private university founded in 1931 and it is one of the top universities in South Korea. The university was founded based on three virtues: sincerity, fidelity, and righteousness.
The university was founded in 1931 by Dr. Yoo Seok-chang (pen name: Sanghuh). It was originally known as the Chosen School of Politics (Korean: 조선정치학관; Hanja: 朝鮮政治學館), and was a junior college for future political leaders. In 1959, the school became a "comprehensive university" and was renamed to Konkuk University (from 건국; 建國; Konkuk; lit. 'founding a nation').[5]
In 2016, Konkuk University celebrated its 70th anniversary. A new emblem featuring Sanghuh Hall, the original building for the Chosun School of Politics, was released in December 2015. The university also unveiled a second ox statue and held a major academic symposium.[6][7]
Yoo served as the first president of Konkuk University from 1959 to 1961.[8] In September 2016, Sanggi Min became the university's 20th president.[9] The university has four executive vice presidents: provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, executive vice president for public affairs, executive vice president for research, and executive vice president for medicine.[10] The board of the Konkuk University Foundation, which governs the university, includes Chairperson Ja-eun Yoo and eleven other board members who each serve 4-year terms.[11]
As of 2021, the Seoul campus was composed of thirteen undergraduate colleges and thirteen graduate schools; the GLOCAL Campus in Chungju is composed of seven undergraduate colleges and four graduate schools.[12][13][14][15]
Seoul Campus (undergraduate)
College of Liberal Arts
College of Science
College of Architecture
College of Engineering
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
College of Business Administration
College of Veterinary Medicine
College of Art and Design
College of Education
Institute of Real Estate Science
Institute of Convergence Science and Technology
Sanghuh College of Life Sciences
Sanghuh College of Liberal Arts
Seoul Campus (graduate)
Graduate School (general)
Graduate School of Architecture
Graduate School of Law
Graduate School of Business Administration
Graduate School of Public Administration
Graduate School of Education
Graduate School of Industry
Graduate School of Agriculture
Graduate School of Journalism and Public Relations
Graduate School of Information and Communication
Graduate School of Art and Design
Graduate School of Real Estate
Graduate School of Veterinary Epidemic Prevention
Chungju GLOCAL campus (undergraduate)
College of Art and Design
College of Humanities and Social Sciences Convergence
In 1990, Konkuk University Language Institute began to provide instruction in English and other foreign languages. Courses on Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Spanish, and Vietnamese are available to Konkuk University students and the general public. In 1998, the institute introduced Korean language programs for foreigners with short-term courses lasting 1–2 weeks, as well as longer 3-month courses. The institute also provides training for Korean language teachers.[16]
Konkuk University has entered into partnership agreements with 645 institutions in 68 countries. In 2019, a total of 690 students studied abroad through dual degree programs, exchange programs, language courses, and short-term programs, and 730 foreign students were registered at the university.[citation needed]
Foreign students enrolled in Konkuk University's partner universities—such as UC Berkeley in the United States, University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Osaka University in Japan—can pursue their studies at the main Seoul campus for one or two semesters. Students are selected in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the partnership agreements and only pay tuition to their home institutions.
International Summer Program and International Winter Program[edit]
The International Summer Program and International Winter Program are two-week long programs that provide opportunities for foreign students wishing to learn about Korea and experience its culture. Students can take classes on Korean history, culture, and business practices, and participate in field trips and cultural events.
Undergraduate degree-seeking program qualifications[edit]
Freshman Applicants (first grade): Applicants and their parents are foreign nationals without Korean citizenship (foreigners - non-Korean nationals, including dual nationalities). Applicants have graduated or are expected to graduate from accredited primary and secondary schools overseas (12-year education).
Transfer Applicants (third grade): Applicants have completed or are expected to complete at least 2 years of a 4-year undergraduate degree program with at least 50 percent of the credits required for graduation at an accredited Korean or foreign university with good academic standing. Applicants have graduated or are expected to graduate from a 2 or 3-year associate degree program at an accredited Korean or foreign college with good academic standing (except Hong Kong and Macao).
Language Proficiency Requirements: All applicants must submit one or more of the following documents: Applicant with a Grade 3 or higher in Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK), Korean Language Program Completion Certificate issued by Konkuk Language Institute with Level 3 or above.
Graduate degree-seeking program qualifications[edit]
Common Qualifications: The applicant must meet one of the following nationality requirements:
A foreigner whose parents are both foreigners.
A person who has completed all levels of education equivalent to elementary, junior high, high school, and undergraduate school in a foreign country.
Language Proficiency: The applicant must meet one of the following language proficiency requirements:
Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK) Level 3 or higher
Completed Korean language level 3 or higher at Konkuk University Language Institute
A certain level of official test of English language proficiency (refer to admission guidelines for required scores)
If the applicant can speak only English and no Korean, he/she must consult with the department before application is processed to see whether the department will accept the application or not (required).
In case applicant does not meet the language requirements, they can be exempted from the language proficiency requirement for a certain period at the entrance stage with the study permit and recommendation by a KU professor of the respected department or program. The applicant requests to check specific requirements for certain departments - Dept. of Korean Language & Literature, Dept. of International Commerce & Business, Dept. of Clothing, and Dept. of Literature & Art Therapy.
MA Program
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and educational attainment equivalent to a bachelor's degree approved by the law of the country of residence.
Ph.D. Program
A master's degree from an accredited college or university and educational attainment equivalent to a master's degree approved by the law of the country of residence.
Established in 1963, Konkuk University Museum features 4,532 historical artifacts, including Dongguk Jeongun, one of the National Treasures of South Korea. The museum originated in Nagwon-dong, Jongno-gu, and in 1985 moved to the Sanghuh Memorial Hall, the building in which the Chosun School of Politics was founded. The museum is open to the public, and special lectures on Korean history and culture are given throughout the year.[32][33]
Ilgam Lake is located at the center of Konkuk University's Seoul campus. This swamp was converted to an artificial lake when the university moved the campus from Nagwon-dong to the current location in 1954. In the 1950s and 1960s, indoor ice-skating rinks were uncommon, and the lake was used for national competitions. Occupying 55,661 m2 (599,130 sq ft), the lake accounts for approximately one-ninth of the campus area. To maintain water quality, 650 tons of underground water is added daily, and a motorboat is used to prevent algal blooms.[38]
Konkuk University has more than 70 student clubs based on social and professional interests. At the beginning of the academic year in March, the Student Club Association holds a fair on campus to recruit new members.
Foundation Day is an annual ceremony that commemorates Yoo Seok-chang's founding of Konkuk University on May 15, 1946. It is held for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and guests. Awards are presented to the faculty and staff who have contributed to the university. Around the same time, Konkuk University's student association organizes the Ilgam Lake Festival. This three-day long event features performances and exhibitions by college departments and student clubs. Famous K-pop celebrities are also invited to perform in a concert.
In late October, colleges and student clubs stage the Fall Art Festival to showcase their academic achievements and artistic talent. This three-day long event is organized by the Student Club Association.[39]
On May 3, Konkuk University announced that it was selected by the Korean government to participate in the Program for Industrial Needs-Matched Education (PRIME). Higher education institutions receive incentives for restructuring and training students to meet the society's needs under the project. Of the 75 universities that applied, Konkuk University, Ewha Womans University, Hanyang University's ERICA campus, and 18 other universities were chosen. As a result, Konkuk University is expected to receive up to 450 billion won in government funding over three years until 2018. More than 15% will be allocated for scholarships, and a significant portion will be used to improve educational programs and build infrastructure.[40]
In 2017, Konkuk University introduced the "Konkuk Institute of Technology" to train and prepare students for industries with significant growth potential. The institute includes eight departments in energy engineering, smart vehicle engineering, smart ICT engineering, cosmetics engineering, stem cell and regenerative biology, systems biotechnology, integrative bioscience and biotechnology, and biomedical science and engineering with 333 students. Konkuk University plans to offer a 5-year BS/MS program, through which all students will receive a scholarship for their graduate education as well as a stipend of 300,000 won per month for book purchases and research, at the institute. The registration fee for all incoming students will be waived.[40][41]
As an alternative to the prevalent 2-semester, 4-year undergraduate programs, Konkuk University introduced the Plus Semester System which will allow students to take initiative in designing their own curriculum. The innovative system is part of an effort to make university education more student-focused and tailored to meet changing industry demands. Konkuk students will be able to choose from a variety of options, including the 2+One-Semester On-The-Job Training program, 3+1 Employment program, 7+1 Self-Designed Semester program, and 4+1 Bachelor's and master's degree program. The 2+One-Semester program allows students to gain work experience during the semester and take classes to fulfill course requirements for their majors during the vacation. For the 7+1 program, students will design their plans for external activities prior to the beginning of the semester. The activities are to develop expertise in areas of interest rather than being limited to opening a new business or finding employment. Once the plans are approved, students receive up to 15 credits once they submit completion reports. The Center for Integrated Science and Technology, which will include four departments in biotechnology and another four in engineering, will offer the 4+1 Bachelor's and master's degree program.[42]
The Seoul campus is adjacent to the Konkuk University Station, which is serviced by Seoul Subway Line 2 and Line 7. The circular Line 2 offers easy access to downtown Seoul within one hour. Line 7 links the northern part of the city to the popular Gangnam District.
Seoul buses #240, #302, #721, #2222, #2223, #2224, #3216, #3220, and #4212 can be taken nearby the campus to different places in the city.[43] From Incheon International Airport, Limousine Bus #6013 is available every 30–40 minutes from 6:15 a.m. to 10:55 p.m for ₩10,000.[44]
Cheese in the Trap, a popular "webtoon" published on Naver since 2010 with more than 1 million viewers, was written by Konkuk University alumnus Soonkki [ko]. Many illustrations were based on Konkuk University buildings, including the museum and library.[47]
Konkuk University Medical Center (KUMC): Located on the west side of the Seoul campus, the current state-of-the-art facility was opened in August 2005 with 875 beds. In 2011, the World Health Organization certified KUMC as a Health promoting hospital and the Korean government also designated KUMC as a “senior medical center” specializing in cancer and cardiovascular diseases. An international clinic for foreign patients has been operating since 2010.[50][51]
