Konkuk University 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. Konkuk University gives comprehensive education in agricultural and life science research to around 30,000 students, plus 2,500 international students. It has two campuses: one in Seoul and one in Chungju. The Seoul campus is located in the southeastern part of the city, near the Han River, and is served by the Konkuk University Station.

History

The university was founded in 1931 by Dr. Yoo Seok-chang (pen name: Sanghuh). It was originally known as the Chosen School of Politics, and was a junior college for future political leaders. In 1959, the school became a "comprehensive university" and was renamed to Konkuk University (from ). 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. In 2017, Konkuk University was selected for the Leaders in Industry-University Cooperation (LINC+) project by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea and has been accredited by the Korean University Accreditation Institute (KUAI), of the Korean Council for University Education, for two consecutive periods.

Administration and organization

Yoo served as the first president of Konkuk University from 1959 to 1961. In September 2016, Sanggi Min became the university's 20th president. 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. 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.

Academics

Undergraduate and graduate programs

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. Seoul Campus (undergraduate) Seoul Campus (graduate) Chungju GLOCAL campus (undergraduate) Chungju GLOCAL campus (graduate)

Research institutes

Konkuk University has 58 affiliated and special research institutes in the areas of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Distinguished professors

Four renowned scholars held the position of distinguished professor as of the spring semester of 2018.

Konkuk Language Institute

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.

Reputation and rankings

Times Higher Education (THE) University Ranks QS University Ranks Domestic rank and project selected by government and its scale of support fund

International programs

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.

Exchange student program

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

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

Graduate degree-seeking program qualifications

MA Program Ph.D. Program

Campus

Konkuk University Museum

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.

Sanghuh Memorial Library

Sanghuh Memorial Library serves as Konkuk University's main library. Opened in 1989, it was the largest library in Asia at the time. As of February 2014, the library had more than 900,000 Korean books and 200,000 foreign language books. Six reading rooms with about 2,200 seats are available, and a reading room on the third floor of the library is open 24 hours a day. The library has interlibrary loan agreements with Korea University, Dongguk University, Sungkyunkwan University, Hanyang University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and Chung-Ang University.

Ilgam Lake

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, 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.

Student life and university events

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.

Recent developments

PRIME Project

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.

Konkuk Institute of Technology

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.

Plus Semester System

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.

Transportation

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. 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.

Notable alumni

Academia Arts and literature Business Civil service, law, and politics Entertainment• Ahn Jae-hong • Bae Doo-na • Chae Soo-bin • Changmin • Choi Min-ho • Do Sang-woo • Gil Eun-hye • Go Kyung-pyo • Hong Jong-hyun • Hong Soo-ah • Hwang Woo-seul-hye • Lim Jae-beom • Im Nayeon • Jang Hee-jin • Jay B • Jeon Soo-jin • Ji Woo • Joo Hyun • Joo Won • Jung Eui-chul • Kang Kyung-joon • Kang Tae-oh • Kim Byung-man • Kim Da-som • Kim Hye-yoon • Kim Jong-wook • Kim Jung-eun • Jin • Kim Young-ran • Kim Yu-mi • Ko Joo-yeon • Lee Da-hae • Lee Hye-ri • Lee Hyun-woo • Lee Jong-suk • Lee Jung-jin • Lee Min-ho • Lee Min-ki • Lee Won-keun • Lee Young-pyo • Na Yoon-sun • Park Eun-ji • Park Han-byul • Park Subin • Ryu Hye-young • Seo Woo • Shin Ae • Shin Seong-il • Song Kang • Uhm Hyun-kyung • Uhm Tae-goo • Uhm Tae-woong • Wang Ji-hye • Yoo Ah-in • Yoo Gun • Yoon Seok-ho

Popular culture

Konkuk University has been a popular film location for Korean dramas. Twenty Again, a 2015 Korean television series starring Choi Ji-woo and Lee Sang-yoon was filmed at the main campus in Seoul. 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. Many illustrations were based on Konkuk University buildings, including the museum and library.

Affiliates