Konkuk University


Konkuk University is one of the comprehensive private universities located in Seoul and Chungju. The Seoul campus is located in the southeastern part of Seoul, near the Han River, and is served by a metro station of the same name. The Seoul campus has 13 undergraduate colleges and 13 graduate schools, whereas the Glocal Campus in Chungju is composed of 7 undergraduate colleges and 2 graduate schools. Currently, 23,000 students are attending the size of 238,980m2 Seoul campus and 15,500 students attending the size of 31,763m2 Glocal Campus in Choongju, which is about an hour away from the Seoul Campus.

History

Konkuk University was founded in 1931 by Dr. Yoo Seok-Chang, who founded the Minjung Hospital, based on the three virtues—sincerity, fidelity and righteousness as the founding principle of an establishment.
In May 1946, Konkuk University was established as Chosun School of Politics, a junior college for future political leaders, by Dr. Yoo Seok-chang. Thirteen years later, the school became a “comprehensive university” and changed its name to Konkuk. As strong believers in the role of higher education in maintaining Korea's sovereignty, the founder and his supporters chose the name in the hopes that Konkuk graduates would build and serve the nation.
Dr. Yoo, whose pen name was Sanghuh, was raised by a father who moved to Manchuria to join the Korean independence movement. Trained as a medical doctor during the Japanese occupation, Dr. Yoo initially had opened the People's Hospital in 1931 to provide medical care to less fortunate Koreans. Before long, he turned his attention to young leaders in rural areas since agriculture was the main pillar of the economy. Dr. Yoo and his supporters, who would later become benefactors of Konkuk University, aimed to open a higher education institution for leaders who would enlighten the rural population. Opposed by the Japanese, the reform-minded group managed a private organization and developed their ideas for a little more than a decade.
With years of experience in rural reforms and education as well as a short stint as a politician, Dr. Yoo became convinced that Konkuk University's must set its goals beyond academic excellence. During his tenure as the president of Konkuk University and the chairman of the Konkuk University Foundation, he emphasized three virtues—sincerity, fidelity, and righteousness—which continues to guide Konkuk to this day.
In addition, Dr. Yoo was aware that the limited space would not be sufficient to provide future agricultural leaders with ample hands-on experience. Despite the severe financial difficulties and skepticism after the Korean War, he boldly executed a move to the current location in Seoul. Thanks to Dr. Yoo's generous endowment and education philosophy, Konkuk University not only leads in agricultural and life science research, but also excels in many other areas today. Furthermore, Konkuk University has undergone major transformations in the past decade, earning the title of “the fastest growing university in Korea.”
In 2016, Konkuk University celebrated its 70th anniversary. A new emblem with the 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 project by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea and has been accredited by the Korean University Accreditation Institute, Korean Council for University Education, for two consecutive periods.

Administration and organization

Founder Dr. Seok-chang Yoo served as the first president of Konkuk University from 1959 to 1961, and Dr. Sanggi Min became the university's 20th president in September 2016. In addition to the president, Konkuk 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 Konkuk University Foundation, which includes Chairperson Ja-eun Yoo and eleven board members serving 4-year terms, govern the university.

Academics

Undergraduate and graduate programs

There are 13 colleges and 7 colleges on the GLOCAL campus in Chungju. There are general graduate schools, 3 specialized graduate schools and 11 special graduate schools.

Research institutes

Konkuk University has 58 affiliated and special research institutes in the areas of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Four renowned scholars held the position of distinguished professor as of the Spring semester of 2018.
Konkuk University Language Institute opened in 1990 to provide English and other foreign language classes. Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Spanish, and Vietnamese courses are available to Konkuk University students as well as the general public. In 1998, the institute introduced Korean language programs for foreigners. Short-term courses for 1–2 weeks and 3-month long regular courses are available. The institute also provides training for Korean language teachers.

Reputation and rankings

;World Rankings
;Times Higher Education University Ranks
;QS University Ranks
;Domestic rank and project selected by government and its scale of support fund
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, University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Osaka University in Japan, may pursue their studies at the main campus for a semester or two. Students are selected in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the partnership agreements and only pay tuition for 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
Applicants and their parents are foreign nationals without Korean citisenship
Applicants have graduated or are expected to graduate from accredited primary and secondary schools overseas
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.
All applicants must submit one or more of the following documents:
Applicant with a Grade 3 or higher in Korean Language Proficiency Test
Korean Language Program Completion Certificate issued by Konkuk Language Institute with Level 3 or above.

Graduate degree-seeking program

;Qualifications
Nationality: 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
Korean Language Proficiency Test 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
※ 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.
※ In case applicant does not meet language requirement, with the study permit and recommendation by a KU professors of the respected department or program, the applicant can be exempted from the language proficiency above mentioned requirement for a certain period at the entrance stage
The applicant request to check specific requirements for certain department - Dept. of Korean Language & Literature, Dept. of International Commerce & Business, Dept. of Clothing, and Dept. of Literature & Art Therapy
;MA Program: A bachlor’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

Campus

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. When indoor ice skating rinks were uncommon in the 1950s and 1960s, 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 motor boat is used to prevent algal blooms.

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 is housed at the Sanghuh Memorial Hall, the building in which the Chosun School of Politics was founded. It began at Nagwon-dong in Jongno-gu, Sanghuh Memorial Hall, and moved to the current location in 1985, and continues to represent Konkuk University's roots and rich history. 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 opened 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.

Student life

Student clubs

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.

University events

;Foundation Day
In commemoration of Dr. Seok-chang Yoo's founding of Konkuk University on May 15, 1946, a ceremony is held for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and guests each year. Awards are presented to the faculty and staff who have contributed to the university.
;Ilgam Lake Festival
Konkuk University's student association organizes a festival in mid-May every year to celebrate the university's foundation. 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.
;Fall Art Festival
In late October, colleges and student clubs stage a three-day long festival to showcase their academic achievements and artistic talent. This event is organized by the Student Club Association.

Recent developments

;PRIME Project
On May 3, Konkuk University announced that it was selected by the government to participate in the Program for Industrial Needs-Matched Education, also known as the PRIME project. 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, and 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 all 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

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. Konkuk University Medical Center was also the background for Family's Honor, Loving You a Thousand Times, My Too Perfect Sons, and Surgeon Bong Dal-hee.
Cheese in the Trap, a popular ”webtoon” published on Naver since 2010 with more than 1 million viewers, was written by Konkuk University alumnus :ko:순끼|Soonkki. Many illustrations were based on Konkuk University buildings, including the museum and library.
Heart Signal, a Korean reality dating show, featured two alumni of Konkuk University in season 1. The campus was featured in a date between them during episode 12 of that season.

Affiliates