Korea University facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Korea University

고려대학교
Global Symbol of Korea University
Former names	Bosung College (1905–1946)
Motto	Libertas, Justitia, Veritas 자유, 정의, 진리
Motto in English	"Liberty, Justice, Truth"
Type	Private
Established	5 May 1905; 120 years ago (1905-05-05)
President	Kim Dong-one [ko]
Academic staff	1,511 (2022)
Administrative staff	1,150 (2022)
Students	29,445 (2022)
Undergraduates	19,598 (2022)
Postgraduates	9,847 (2022)
Location	Seongbuk-gu, Seoul , South Korea 37°35′21″N 127°1′56″E / 37.58917°N 127.03222°E / 37.58917; 127.03222
Campus	Urban
Colors	Crimson
Nickname	Anam Tigers
Sporting affiliations	APRU, U21
Mascot	Tiger
Korean name
Hangul	고려대학교
Hanja	高麗大學校
Revised Romanization	Goryeo Daehakgyo
McCune–Reischauer	Koryŏ Taehakkyo

Korea University (KU, Hangul: 고려대학교; RR: Goryeo Daehakgyo) is a private university in Seoul, South Korea. It was started in 1905. The university is named after Goguryeo, an ancient Korean kingdom. It is one of the famous SKY universities in South Korea.

More than 20,000 undergraduate students and over 10,000 graduate students study here. The university has 81 departments in 19 colleges and divisions. It also has 18 graduate schools. Over 1,500 full-time teachers work at Korea University. Most of them have advanced degrees in their fields. The Korea University Alumni Association has more than 280,000 graduates.

History of Korea University

Starting as Bosung College

Korea University began on May 5, 1905. It was first called Bosung College. Lee Yong-Ik, who managed the Royal Household's money, founded it. The first president was Hae-Uoung Shin. This school was important for Korean pride. It was a symbol of hope during the time Japan ruled Korea (1910–1945).

After Bosung College started, Lee Yong-Ik had to leave Korea. He went to lead a group fighting against Japan. This caused money problems for the school. But Sohn Byong-Hee, a leader of a nationalist movement called Chundokyo, helped. He took over running the school.

In 1929, the school faced money problems again. This was because of a worldwide economic downturn. Kim Seong-su became the president in 1932 and helped solve this. He also managed a high school and a newspaper. In 1934, the main building was finished in Anam-dong. A library was built from 1935 to 1937. This celebrated the school's 30th anniversary. A large athletic field was added in 1938. In 1944, the Japanese government made Bosung College change its name. They also put it under Japanese control.

Modern Era of Korea University

After Korea became independent in 1945, Bosung College became a full university. It had three colleges: Political Science and Law, Economics and Commerce, and Liberal Arts. The goal was to train talented people and grow Korean culture. In 1946, Bosung Professional School was officially renamed Korea University. This made the university much bigger.

Hyun Sang-Yun, the first president, bought more land for the campus. In June 1949, Korea University gave out its first bachelor's degree. In September of the same year, the graduate school opened. Yu Chin-O, the fourth president, kept expanding the university. He added a Science Division and a College of Agriculture. Later, Kim Seoung-su, the founder, became the Vice President of the Korean government. This helped Korea University grow even more.

In June 1961, the Liberal Arts building was finished. Other facilities like a museum, agriculture laboratory, and greenhouse were also built. An experimental farm was added in the same year. The Science and Engineering departments got new labs and tools. In December 1963, the Graduate School of Business Administration opened. It was the first of its kind in Korea.

In October 1965, Yu Chin-O retired after 15 years. Lee Chong-Woo became the fifth president. After 1966, Korea University continued to grow. More departments were added in Science, Engineering, and Agriculture. The Graduate School of Education was also started. New buildings like the General Education Building and the Mass Communication Building were added.

In October 1970, Kim Sang-Hyup became the sixth president. In December 1971, Korea University changed a lot. All colleges from Woosuk University, including Medicine and Law, joined Korea University. Woosuk University Hospital also became part of it.

In June 1972, the Business Administration Building was completed. This building housed the College of Commerce and the Graduate School of Business Administration. In December of the same year, the College of Education was established.

In April 1975, Cha Rak-Hoon became the seventh president. In December 1976, the College of Commerce was renamed the College of Business Administration. The Graduate School of Food and Agriculture opened in January 1977. In December 1977, the College of Science and Engineering split into two: the College of Science and the College of Engineering. A new Central Library, the biggest in South Korea at the time, opened in March 1978.

In July 1983, the Medical School and hospital became the Korea University Medical Center. It included four new hospitals. In September 1983, the Science Library opened. It was a large and modern building for science and technology research. In June 2001, Korea University started a joint program with the University of British Columbia in Canada. The Korea University Lyceum was completed. SK Telecom also made a big donation. In July, the Division of International Studies and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication were founded. In October, Korea University received ISO9001 certification. This showed its high quality in education and administration.

Celebrating 100 Years

In 2005, Korea University celebrated its 100th birthday on May 5.

In March, the College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology and the College of Life and Environmental Sciences joined together. They formed the College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology. The Junior College of Health Sciences also merged into the new College of Health Sciences. Today, Korea University has 22 graduate schools and 18 undergraduate schools and colleges. It also has 11 other facilities. These include libraries, a museum, and a press office.

Academics at Korea University

Colleges and Schools

Korea University has 59 academic departments and programs. They are part of 17 colleges and schools:

Departments and Programs

Here are some of the many departments and programs offered:

Special Programs

Korea University also offers many special programs that combine different subjects:

How Students Get In

To get into Korea University, students' high school grades are important. Their scores on the South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test are also used. In 2016, about 5 out of every 100 applicants were accepted.

University Rankings

In 2021, Korea University was ranked 69th among all universities worldwide. In 2016–17, it was ranked 16th in Asia. Also, in 2014, some of its programs were ranked among the top 50 globally. These included politics, economics, chemical engineering, and communications.

Many students from Korea University's Law School pass the Korean bar exam each year. The business programs at Korea University are also highly rated. They have received important international certifications. In 2007, the Ministry of Education named Korea University's MBA program the best in South Korea. Its Executive MBA program was ranked 27th in the world in 2015.

From 2003 to 2006, Euh Yoon-Dae was the president of Korea University. He made many changes to improve the university. He made teachers publish more research. He also increased the number of classes taught in English to 35%. He made sure core classes were taught by full-time teachers. Most students also had to choose a second major. He also made agreements with 172 universities around the world for student exchanges. Korea University also built new facilities. These included the Centennial Memorial Samsung Hall and the Hwajung Gymnasium.

International Students at Korea University

About 4,000 international students study at Korea University. The university offers English degree programs. These are in the College of International Studies (CIS) and the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS). International students can also apply to other programs. However, most classes are taught in Korean.

Research Institutes

Korea University has many research centers where important studies happen:

• Battelle@KU Laboratory
• Center for Information Security Technologies
• IBS Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics
• Ilmin International Relations Institute
• Institute of Biotechnology
• Korean Language and Culture Center
• Research Institute for Information and Communication Technology
• Research Institute of Korean Studies

Korea University Sejong Campus

Korea University Sejong Campus

Type	Private
Established	1980
Academic staff	262 full-time 361 part-time (2018)
Students	7,240 (2018)
Undergraduates	6,483 (2018)
Postgraduates	757 (2018)
Location	Sejong , South Korea
Campus	Sejong
Colors	Crimson
Mascot	Tiger
Website	sejong.korea.ac.kr

Korea University Sejong Campus is the university's second campus. It opened in 1980 in Jochiwon, South Korea. This campus focuses on research. It includes a Biomedical Campus in Osong and a New Research Campus in Sejong City. Six colleges and schools at Sejong Campus are part of Korea University.

Campus Facilities

The Seoul campus is divided into four areas. These are Science and Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Medicine and Life Sciences, and Jeongneung. The campus is in Seoul, a big city with over 20 million people. Near the campus, you can find many restaurants, shops, and even a famous Buddhist temple. Walking from some main campus buildings to the science or medical campus takes about 20 minutes.

Here are some important places on campus:

• Library System
• University Museum - This was the first university museum in Korea. It has over 100,000 items about history, old objects, culture, and art.
• Centennial Memorial Samsung Hall - This building was finished to celebrate KU's 100th anniversary. It has a digital library and important cultural treasures.
• LG-POSCO Hall - A new building for the Business School. It was built with money donated by companies and alumni.
• Lyceum
• Central Square
• Hana Square
• Tiger Dome - A large sports complex finished in 2006. It has three floors above ground and three below.
• Dongwon Hall
• Korean Studies Hall - This hall teaches the Korean language and promotes Korean culture.
• Chungsan-MK Culture Center - Opened in 2007 to help cultural exchanges between Korea and Japan. It also promotes Japanese studies.
• Ice Rink - This rink is Olympic-sized and has great facilities. It is also used for training national athletes.
• Media Hall - This building is for students studying Media & Communication. It has many media facilities and studios. Students can create their own media projects here.
• International Center for Converging Technology - Built in 2008. It supports scientific research with various facilities and equipment.
• Green tract of land sports field - Used for playing soccer and physical education classes.

Student Activities

Clubs

Korea University has many clubs for students to join:

• Social Science: Philosophy Village, The Wagon Wheel, Saram Saneun Saesang, Study Group of Culture, Working People, KUCC, Economics Institute of Current Events, UNSA (UN Student's Association), Korean Modern History Research Association, Current Affairs & Economy Society, Korean Society Research Association, Korean Spirit Training, B&B
• Exhibition and Creative Art: Institute of Arts Criticism, Our Literature Research Institute, KU Literature Association, Institute of Korean Painting Dolbit (KU Movie Critique Club), Geurim Madang (KU Cartoon Club), Keul mal Literature Institute (KU poet's society), Hoyounghoi Jinbo Creative Literature Club, Seowha PAPCON
• Social Studies: One, Two, Five (a campaign for the disabled), Red Cross Student's Association Rotarect (university federation public service club), Nadal Moeum (an agricultural club) Howoo Hwe (KU public service club), Eunwhawhe (a student association for night studies), Saebyok Kwangjang (a club for preserving the environment), KUSA
• Art: Korea University Choir (former KU Glee Club), KU Nongak (Korean instrumental music of peasants), KU Orchestra We love Tal (Korean Traditional Mask), KU Wind Ensemble Noraeol Theater, Korean Classical Music Classic Guitar Club, 1905, Crimson, Korea University A cappella Group LoGS, KUDT (Korea University Dance Team), Geurootogi (an Acoustic Guitar Club), TTP, Bulas (Sports Dance), TERRA (hip hop)
• Religion: Won-Buddhism Student's Association, Every Nation Mission (ENM), Jeung San Do, Student Christian Association, Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC), Korean Christian Students' Union, Christ's Ambassador Mission (CAM) University Mission, Buddhist Student's Association, Joy Mission, Catholic Student's Association, Student For Christ (SFC), IVF
• Language Studies: Nid d'amis (French Club), Dongsuchoi, KU Research Institute on Korean and Japanese Culture, S.I. S TIME, KU China Research Institute, E.C.S (English Conversation Researching Society), LECA (English Conversation Club), A.L.C
• Life Culture: Leisure and recreation Research Association, Youth Hostel (Travelling Club), Ho-Jin Hwe (theatre appreciation and critique club), Scout / Ho-Dong Hwe (a club made by Japanese Koreans), Paduk Sarang Meeting (a club for people who play Korean checkers)
• Sports: Fencing Club, Amateur Soccer team, Skin Scuba Diving, Korea University Amateur Baseball Club, KU Archery Club, Swimming Tiger's Club, Badminton / Ping-pong Club, Soobakdo
• Literary Art: Norae Madang, Talpae Hanaldarae, KU Folk Music Band, Yeol Gu Rim, ICCUS, TERRA, Sun Hyang Jae, Darkroom
• Science and Technology: KULS, KUERA, Amateur Astronomer's Club (KUAAA), Amateur Radio Association (HAM), Intelligent Robot Club (KAsimov)
• Others: Honong-hoe, The Morning Dew, Breaking The Cell, Buddhist Student Society, Sunlight Village, Youth & Future, Korea University Extreme Sports Club (KESC)

Traditions

• The Granite Tower Festival (Seoktap Daedongje) is a fun week of events in May. Many famous people perform during this week. The last day is called Ipselenti.
• April 18 Marathon (418 민주대장정) honors students who were attacked on April 18, 1960. About 3,000 Korea University students protested peacefully against a rigged election. The government sent groups to stop them, hurting many students. Korea University students are proud of their role in Korean history. The marathon remembers those who fought for a better future.
• Ipselenti- Cry of "Ji Ya" (입실렌티- 지.야의 함성) is a cheering festival. It is held by the Korea University Cheerleaders on the last night of the Granite Tower Festival. Students gather to sing cheering songs and dance. Famous singers like Blackpink and Psy have performed there. "Ipselenti" is part of Korea University's old slogan. "Ji" means wisdom and "Ya" means wildness.
• Yonsei-Korea Friendship Games (see Athletics)

Athletics

Korea University is part of the Korea University Sports Federation (KUSF). Its teams play in the KUSF U-League. They have a long-standing sports rivalry with Yonsei University. This rivalry started when Japan ruled Korea. Each fall, the two universities have "friendship games" over two days. They compete in five sports: football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and rugby.

Korea University's mascot is the tiger. Its student-athletes are often called "Tigers".

Medical Center

The university's medical college started as Kyoung-sung Women's Medical College in 1938. It later changed names several times. In 1971, it joined Korea University and became the Korea University College of Medicine. In 1983, the Korea University Medical Center (KUMC) was formed.

KUMC is a large medical institution. It has three hospitals (Anam, Guro, and Ansan). It also includes the College of Medicine, three graduate schools, and many labs. KUMC helps with education, research, and patient care. It also does volunteer work in disaster areas and places in South Korea that need help. KUMC has received JCI certification, which means it meets high standards for patient safety and quality.

Scholarships

Korea University offers many scholarships and awards. These are managed by the Korea University Foundation, started in 1905. There are about 245 different scholarships available. They total over 11.5 billion won (Korean money). Almost 90% of international students receive a Korea University Scholarship. Scholarships are given based on things like what program a student is in, financial need, and good grades.

Rivalry with Yonsei University

There is a big rivalry between Korea University and Yonsei University. These are the top two private schools in South Korea. Their annual sports festival gets national attention. Since 1956, the Korea–Yonsei University Friendship Games have been held every year. They include five sports: Football, Rugby, Baseball, Basketball, and Ice Hockey.

The rivalry began a long time ago. In 1927, the soccer teams of Boseong professional school (Korea University's old name) and Yeonhee professional school (Yonsei University's old name) played against each other.

In 2012, Korea University won three out of five sports (baseball, basketball, soccer). In 2014, Korea University won all five sports. This was the first time that had ever happened!

Notable People and Alumni

Lee Myung-bak, 10th president of South Korea

In 2009, about 280,000 people were living alumni of Korea University. Many famous people have graduated from Korea University. These include lawyers, doctors, engineers, researchers, and Olympic athletes. They have become well-known in Korea and around the world.

Korea University has produced many important politicians. These include Lee Myung Bak, who was the tenth President of the Republic of Korea. Also, Chung Sye-kyun was the 20th Speaker of the Assembly. Oh Se-hoon was the 34th Mayor of Seoul. A survey of South Korea's top 500 companies showed that Korea University has produced the most CEOs for these companies.

Kim Seong-su, who founded Korea University, also served as the Vice President of the Korean government. He helped create a close relationship between Korea University and Waseda University in Japan. This partnership started in 1973. Since the 2010s, they have offered special programs where students can earn two degrees from both universities.

See also

In Spanish: Universidad de Corea para niños

• Association of Pacific Rim Universities
• Education in South Korea
• KU-Yonsei rivalry
• List of universities in Seoul
• List of colleges and universities in South Korea
• List of Korea University people
• SKY Universities
• S3 Asia MBA - Joint MBA program by Fudan University, Korea University and NUS Business School
• Universitas 21