KONKUK UNIVERSITY

Konkuk University (KU) is one of the leading private universities in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1946, formerly known as the Chosun School of Politics. KU is known for its philosophy of “Sincerity, Fidelity, Righteousness” and is particularly prominent in fields such as Science, Technology, Medicine (University Hospital), Biological Agriculture, and Art and Design. The university currently has over 29,000 students enrolled, about 2,500 of whom are international students, with over 1,200 full-time faculty members and 1,300 part-time lecturers, including nearly 70 international faculty members.

7/16/20254 min read

Konkuk University

Konkuk University (KU) is one of the leading private universities in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1946, formerly known as the Chosun School of Politics. KU is known for its philosophy of “Sincerity, Fidelity, Righteousness” and is particularly prominent in fields such as Science, Technology, Medicine (University Hospital), Biological Agriculture, and Art and Design.

The university currently has over 29,000 students enrolled, about 2,500 of whom are international students, with over 1,200 full-time faculty members and 1,300 part-time lecturers, including nearly 70 international faculty members.

To accelerate its global strategy, the university is currently implementing many educational programs such as research partnerships with 185 universities from 34 countries. Through the exchange of faculty and students, the cultural exchange and joint research between these universities are enhanced, and the exchange and cooperation programs between countries are also prioritized.

Address:

  • Seoul Campus: 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

  • Chungju Campus: 268 Chungwon-daero, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Main Fields of Study

Humanities & Foreign Languages – Content Focus

  • Korean Language and Literature

  • English Language and Literature

  • Chinese Language and Literature

  • Philosophy

  • History

  • Public Administration

  • Library and Information Science

  • Content & ICT Converged Education (Content and Foreign Language Education)

Engineering & Technology

  • Civil and Environmental Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Industrial Engineering

  • Biological Engineering

Social Sciences – Business

  • Political Science

  • Economics

  • Public Administration

  • International Trade

  • Consumer Science

  • Real Estate

  • Business Administration

  • Information Technology Management

Life Sciences

  • Research in Animal Resources

Convergence Engineering – Life Sciences

  • Food Science and Technology

  • Energy Engineering

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology

  • Smart ICT Engineering

  • Cosmetics Science

  • Biotechnology and Bio-Life Sciences

  • Mechanical Engineering and Robotics

  • Integrated Bio-Technology Systems

  • Integrated Food Science and Biological Science

Arts & Design

  • Communication Design

  • Media Technology

  • Fashion Design

  • Visual Communication Design

  • Film and Animated Visuals

  • Performance Art (Acting)

  • Stage and Costume Design

Tuition Fee

  • Humanities, Foreign Languages, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Economics, Law, Education, Korean Language, and Foreign Language Education majors: Approx. 4,011,000 KRW/semester

  • Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Applied Life Sciences, Engineering, and Design majors: Approx. 4,836,000 KRW/semester

  • Architecture, Engineering, Technology, and Design majors: Approx. 5,643,000 KRW/semester

  • Architecture, Engineering, Technology, and Design majors (Repeat/Combined Group): Approx. 5,643,000 KRW/semester

Admission Information

  • Exam Requirement: Passed the comprehensive final exam.

  • Language Proficiency: Required to achieve TOPIK Level 3 or higher (TOPIK 3 is acceptable) or IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 71 or higher.

  • Portfolio Requirement: Required for Art and Design applicants to submit a portfolio.

  • Document Submission: Required to submit a Study Plan/Personal Statement (CV, Study Plan, Personal Statement).

  • Application Fee (non-refundable): Approx. 70,000 KRW.

  • Enrollment Fee (Paid upon acceptance): 100,000 – 150,000 KRW.

  • Visa and Insurance Fee (Paid later): Approx. 200,000 KRW/year or more.

Scholarships

  • Entrance Scholarship (International Student Scholarship): A reduction of 30% – 50% of the first semester's tuition fees for international students, based on academic performance and language proficiency (TOPIK/IELTS/TOEFL scores).

  • Scholarship for Subsequent Semesters (Retention Scholarship): A reduction of 40% – 60% of tuition fees if students maintain a high GPA and good academic results (according to the university's policy).

  • Scholarship for Pre-enrolled Language Program Completion: Students who complete the Korean language program at Konkuk and achieve a high TOPIK level (e.g., Level 3 or higher) may receive a 10% – 60% tuition reduction for the first semester.

  • Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): An opportunity to receive a full scholarship covering tuition, admission fees, living allowance, medical insurance, and flight tickets if language requirements are met (typically TOPIK 5+) and the student passes the GKS interview round.

  • Department/Major-Specific Scholarships: Some departments, especially those in the arts, beauty/cosmetology, biomedical sciences, and engineering fields, have their own priority scholarship programs (offering 50% – 100% reduction) for outstanding students.

Facilities and Student Life

  • The main campus is located in the center of Gwangjin District, Seoul, right next to Konkuk University Subway Station (Lines 2 & 7), making it easy to travel to major areas of Seoul.

  • Sanghuh Memorial Library – one of the largest university libraries in South Korea, housing hundreds of thousands of books, group study rooms, computer rooms, and 24/7 open research areas.

  • Ilgam Lake – a green symbol in the middle of the campus, a venue for various events, student festivals, and a unique outdoor relaxation space.

  • Modern lab systems and research centers, serving well for majors in engineering, biotechnology, cosmetics, biomedical sciences, design, and arts.

  • International Dormitory: offers single/double rooms, fully equipped with amenities, Wi-Fi, kitchen areas, self-study rooms, laundry facilities, 24/7 security, dining halls, and cafés.

  • International Student Support Center: provides admission counseling, visa guidance, orientation programs, language support, and a buddy program to help foreign students quickly adapt.

  • A wide variety of clubs including academic, arts, sports, research groups, exchange events, career seminars, job fairs, and entrepreneurship workshops.

  • Strong links with Konkuk University Medical Center (KUMC), technology companies, research institutes, and large corporate systems, helping students easily find internships and job opportunities after graduation.