Konkuk University

History

In May 1946, Konkuk University was established as Chosun School of Politics (조선정치학관), 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 (建國), which means “founding a nation.” 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. As of 2016, Konkuk University has two campuses—the main campus in the heart of Seoul and the Glocal campus in Chungju—with approximately 29,000 students enrolled.

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. To commemorate the 70th anniversary, the university unveiled a second ox statue and held a major academic symposium.

Administration and organization

Founder Dr. Seok-chang Yoo served as the first president of Konkuk University from 1959 to 1961, and Dr. Sang-gi 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 Kyung-hee Kim and eleven board members serving 4-year terms, govern the university.

Undergraduate and graduate programs

The Seoul campus has 16 undergraduate colleges and 13 graduate schools, whereas the GLOCAL campus in Chungju is composed of 6 undergraduate colleges and 4 graduate schools.

16 Undergraduate Colleges

13 Graduate Schools

6 Undergraduate Colleges

4 Graduate Schools

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 fall semester of 2015.

Konkuk Language Institute

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

Konkuk University was ranked 13th among Korean universities by JoongAng Ilbo in 2014. According to a survey by Realmeter, which surveys “Korea’s Top 10 Brands,” the university was ranked 7th when the public was asked to identify a university for recommendation in 2015. During the same year, Konkuk University ranked 8th when college applicants were asked by daehac.com which school they wanted to attend regardless of their current academic performance. In August 2016, Konkuk University was ranked 59th in Asia's most innovative universities by Reuters.

In 2014, the Korea Economic Daily ranked Konkuk University’s business school as 13th in Korea and 9th in terms of potential.

International programs

Konkuk University has entered into partnership agreements with 471 institutions in 59 countries. During the fall semester of 2015, a total of 984 students studied abroad through dual degree programs, exchange programs, language courses, and short-term programs, and 1,162 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 Wisconsin–Madison in the United States, 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

In addition to short-term programs, foreign students may earn their bachelor's degree at Konkuk University. Applicants should meet certain Korean language proficiency requirements, and a 70% tuition waiver is provided to students obtaining TOPIK Level 6.

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㎡, 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 algae 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.

KU:L House

Opened in 2006, KU:L House is Konkuk University’s on-campus student residence. It can accommodate up to 3,000 students, the highest number among universities in Seoul. There are four residence halls—Dream Hall, Frontier Hall, Lake Hall, and Vision Hall—with fully furnished single and double rooms. The first two residence halls are for female students and the latter two are for male students. Various communal facilities, including lounges, laundry rooms, cafeterias, cafes, and 24-hour convenience stores, are available.

New Engineering Building

On July 26, 2016, Konkuk University announced that construction of the New Engineering Building was completed after 21 months. The L-shaped New Engineering Building is located on the south of the College of Engineering. At 25,196㎡, it is the largest building on campus followed by the Sanghuh Memorial Library. The 14-story building, which includes a two-level basement, was designed with a focus on improving Konkuk’s research environment. All twelve floors have research labs, lecture halls, and seminar rooms. The New Engineering Building was also designed to be environmentally responsible and energy-efficient. Only LED lights were used throughout the building and solar panels were installed on the roof top. The total cost of construction amounted to 40 billion won, part of which was financed by donations from professors and alumni of the College of Engineering and College of Information and Communication. So far, 170 people have participated in the fund raising campaign for the New Engineering Building, and Konkuk University will continue to offer naming opportunities for classrooms.

Stone tablets

One of the distinctive features of Konkuk University's Seoul campus is the stone tablets on the main streets of the campus. The stones were imported from different countries and bear inscriptions of poetry or quotations from major literary works. On the back of the tablets are translation into Korean and English.

Student clubs

Konkuk University has more than 70 student 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Academia

Arts and literature

Business

Civil service, law, and politics

Entertainment

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 Soonkki. Many illustrations were based on Konkuk University buildings, including the museum and library.

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