Korea University

Korea University is a private research university in Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 1905 as Bosung College by Lee Yong-Ik, Treasurer of the Royal Household of the Korean Empire. It was established with the mission of "Education Saves the Country" and was one of the first universities in Korea to be founded by Koreans.
During the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), Bosung College was a symbol of Korean national pride and resistance. The college was renamed Korea University in 1946, after Korea gained independence from Japan.
In the early years of the Republic of Korea, Korea University played a leading role in the democratization movement. The university was a hotbed of student activism, and many of the leaders of the April 19 Revolution, which overthrew the Syngman Rhee dictatorship in 1960, were Korea University students.
Korea University continued to grow and develop in the post-war era. The university expanded its campus, curriculum, and faculty, and it quickly became one of the leading universities in South Korea. Today, Korea University is one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea and is ranked among the top universities in the world.
The university has a large and diverse student body, with over 37,000 students enrolled. It also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.
Korea University is located in the Anam-dong neighborhood of Seoul. The campus is home to a number of historical and cultural landmarks, including the Korea University Museum and the Korea University Library.
Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Korea University is positioned as the #67 top university in the world, which makes it the #4 top university in South Korea. The university's global rank is improved by 12 points from last year.
University Profile
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2025 Ranking | #67 #4 |
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University Name | Korea University |
Name in Local Language | 고려대학교 |
Year Established | 1905 |
Motto | 자유, 정의, 진리 |
Motto in English | Liberty, Justice, and Truth |
Governing Type | Private (Not for Profit) |
Student Body | Co-education |
Highest Degree | Doctorate |
Campus Type | Urban |
Colors | Crimson |
Location
The university is located in Seoul. Find the address and map of the university below.
Address | 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
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Contact
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Phone | +82 (2) 3290 2963 |
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Website |
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Click here to send email | |
More Links |
Admission Info
The admission process for Korea University is highly competitive and varies depending on the program. Undergraduate and international students apply through the Office of Admissions, with requirements including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Proof of language proficiency in English or Korean (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK) is essential. Graduate applicants may need to submit research proposals and additional documents specific to their field of study.
Accepts International Students | Yes |
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Scholarship and Financial Aids
Korea University provides numerous scholarships to support its students, including international applicants. Merit-based scholarships are available for outstanding academic achievements, while need-based financial aid ensures accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. International students can benefit from the Global KU Scholarship, which offers tuition discounts or full coverage. Additionally, government-funded scholarships such as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) provide further opportunities for financial support.
Programs and Courses
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Bachelor's Degrees | Master's Degrees | Doctorate Degrees | Diplomas | |
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Arts & Humanities | n/a | n/a | ||
Business & Social Sciences | n/a | n/a | ||
Engineering | n/a | n/a | ||
Language & Cultural Studies | n/a | n/a | ||
Medicine & Health | n/a | |||
Science & Technology | n/a | n/a |
Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.
View Course ListGlobal Ranking History
The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 5 years.
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