Korea University, founded in 1905, is widely acknowledged as one of the top universities in Korea. Its reputation for quality is based on excellence in teaching and research, as well as service to Korean society. Eminent faculty, outstanding students, and internationally recognised research programmes all contribute to the University’s academic fame.
As a major comprehensive university of 37,000 students, Korea University offers a rich variety of courses in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as in professional fields of Law, Medicine and Business Administration. As a global university, it comprises of numerous international programmes and foreign faculty. Today over 40% of all courses are lectured in English, and by 2015 this figure is set to reach 50%.
Korea University enjoys a tradition and reputation incomparable to any other university in Korean society. Established during the final years of the Chosun Dynasty, the University was created by royal edict when Emperor Gojong sought a modern university as a means of sculpting national identity and averting Japanese colonialism, and “national salvation through education” became the founding spirit of the University.
Today, Korea University continues to play its special role as the guardian of Korean tradition and self-determination, while making global impacts. As one of the country’s oldest and largest universities, Korea University offers studies over a broad range of subjects and unequalled depth in resources and facilities. Each of its 22 colleges and divisions and 23 graduate schools are highly competitive, but perhaps Korea University is best recognised for its strong programmes in Law, Business Administration, and Humanities. It is also renowned for its innovative work in engineering, advanced technologies, medicine as well as in international and Korean studies.
Korea University faithfully lives up to its founding spirit by providing high-quality education. In fact, academic excellence is cited most often by students as the primary reason for application to study. The teaching reputation of faculty is another main reason cited by students for selecting Korea University. Of its 3,200 faculty members, 95% hold a PhD or highest degrees in their fields. Although many professors enjoy international prominence through involvements in a wide range of scholarly activities, teaching is their foremost priority.
Programmes are geared toward helping students develop competencies in analytical as well as practical skills. While professors have varied philosophies of teaching, there exists a common commitment to raising leaders who think creatively and critically. The University campus covers over 195 acres and is home to more than 37,000 students from all over the nation and the world. With its majestic gothic architecture, sprawling lawns, seasonal trees, and abundant flowers, Korea University is known to have one of the most beautiful campuses in Korea. The nation’s most ambitious and brightest students enjoy the beautiful campus along with the camaraderie, which makes it more active, intellectual and intimate campus atmosphere.
The University has more than 400 bilateral global partners for academic collaboration and student exchange, as it has placed a strong emphasis on international education: Through these partnerships, every year over 1,200 students study abroad. The University campus is truly global with over 4,000 international students studying at KU in various programmes.
Korea University joined the U21 network in December 2004. Korea University is also an active member of ISEP and played a significant role in the establishment of APAIE (Asia-Pacific Association for International Education). Korea University is also a member of the APRU (Asia-Pacific Rim Universities) Association.
