Kookmin University
Seoul, 🇰🇷 South Korea
#30 National #1001 QS World
#30 National #1001 QS World #1201 THE
Founded 1946 $5.3k - $11.3k/yr
About Kookmin University
Kookmin University, established in 1946, is a prominent private institution in Seoul, South Korea, known for its pragmatic academic tradition and commitment to global engagement. It has grown significantly alongside Korea's rapid progress, now hosting a diverse student body and faculty. The university emphasizes fostering internationalism and multiculturalism, striving to create extensive educational exchange opportunities worldwide.
Kookmin University boasts 14 colleges and 14 graduate schools, with notable strengths in Design, Engineering, Business Administration, and Automotive Engineering. The university offers a wide array of English-taught courses across most majors for international and exchange students, alongside Korean language and culture programs. Kookmin University is also a leader in research and development in areas such as Information Technology, Environmental Science, and Fermentation Technology, with flagship projects in nanotechnology and unmanned vehicles.
Kookmin University actively supports its international student population, which numbers over 2,200. The International Affairs Division assists with admissions, study abroad programs, and partnerships, while also providing support for daily life, studies, and visa issues. The university offers on-campus and off-campus dormitories, all equipped with private showers and toilets, and access to study rooms, cafeterias, and exercise facilities. Additionally, Kookmin University provides specialized classes for foreign students, including those focused on Korean popular culture and society, and offers a "Foreign Classmate Study Support" program to help with language and curriculum barriers.
Situated in the Seongbuk-gu district of Seoul, Kookmin University's campus offers a blend of green spaces and modern facilities, surrounded by the natural beauty of Bukhansan National Park. Seoul itself is a dynamic global city, serving as a hub for economic, financial, and business infrastructure. The campus is easily accessible, and its proximity to downtown Seoul allows students to experience the city's rich cultural highlights. On-campus dining options are affordable, and public transportation is readily available for exploring the city.
Kookmin University demonstrates a strong commitment to its students' career success, having received an "Excellent" rating for two consecutive years in the Ministry of Employment and Labor's University Job Plus Center performance evaluation. The university's Career Development Support Group offers extensive resources, including one-on-one mentoring, cover letter critiques in both Korean and English, mock interviews, and coaching on hiring timelines. Kookmin University also fosters a vibrant startup culture, with initiatives like the Kookmin Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and the KMU International Student Startup Competition, providing practical business opportunities and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. The university maintains strong industry connections, collaborating with major companies like Hyundai, LG, Bosch, and Microsoft, offering field-oriented courses and internship opportunities that can lead to employment.
Academics
Kookmin University boasts 14 colleges and 14 graduate schools, with notable strengths in Design, Engineering, Business Administration, and Automotive Engineering. The university offers a wide array of English-taught courses across most majors for international and exchange students, alongside Korean language and culture programs. Kookmin University is also a leader in research and development in areas such as Information Technology, Environmental Science, and Fermentation Technology, with flagship projects in nanotechnology and unmanned vehicles.
International Students
Kookmin University actively supports its international student population, which numbers over 2,200. The International Affairs Division assists with admissions, study abroad programs, and partnerships, while also providing support for daily life, studies, and visa issues. The university offers on-campus and off-campus dormitories, all equipped with private showers and toilets, and access to study rooms, cafeterias, and exercise facilities. Additionally, Kookmin University provides specialized classes for foreign students, including those focused on Korean popular culture and society, and offers a "Foreign Classmate Study Support" program to help with language and curriculum barriers.
Campus & Location
Situated in the Seongbuk-gu district of Seoul, Kookmin University's campus offers a blend of green spaces and modern facilities, surrounded by the natural beauty of Bukhansan National Park. Seoul itself is a dynamic global city, serving as a hub for economic, financial, and business infrastructure. The campus is easily accessible, and its proximity to downtown Seoul allows students to experience the city's rich cultural highlights. On-campus dining options are affordable, and public transportation is readily available for exploring the city.
Career Outcomes
Kookmin University demonstrates a strong commitment to its students' career success, having received an "Excellent" rating for two consecutive years in the Ministry of Employment and Labor's University Job Plus Center performance evaluation. The university's Career Development Support Group offers extensive resources, including one-on-one mentoring, cover letter critiques in both Korean and English, mock interviews, and coaching on hiring timelines. Kookmin University also fosters a vibrant startup culture, with initiatives like the Kookmin Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp and the KMU International Student Startup Competition, providing practical business opportunities and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. The university maintains strong industry connections, collaborating with major companies like Hyundai, LG, Bosch, and Microsoft, offering field-oriented courses and internship opportunities that can lead to employment.
Highlights
- Prominent private Seoul institution
- Strong in design, engineering, business
- Extensive English-taught courses
- Vibrant international student support
- Modern campus near Bukhansan Park
- Leader in IT, environmental research
Subject Areas
DesignAutomotive EngineeringBusinessLawSocial Sciences
Student Life & Support
Campus Housing
Photos








Programs Offered at Kookmin University (22)
Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences
Bachelor Programs (11)
Fine Arts
Arts
Arts
bachelors in artsbachelor arts in south koreabsc artsart degree abroaddesign school internationally
48 months Korean Full-time
Business Administration
Business
Business
bachelor in businessstudy businessstudy business in south koreabachelor business south koreaenglish-taught bachelor business in south korea
48 months Korean Full-time
Media and Communication
Communication
Communication Studies
babachelorbachelor'sbachelorsbs
48 months Korean Full-time
Visual Communication Design
Design
Visual Design
visual communication design Korea시각디자인 학사Kookmin University visual designgraphic design bachelor Koreavisual arts design degree Korea
48 months Korean Full-time
Economics
Economics
Economics
english-taught bachelor economicsenglish-taught bachelor economics in south koreabachelor in economicsstudy economics in south koreaeconomics degree
48 months Korean Full-time
Materials Science and Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
english-taught bachelor engineeringbachelor in engineeringengineering at kookmin universityengineering degree programenglish taught engineering bachelor south korea
48 months Korean Full-time
Electronic Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
babachelorbsbscelectronic engineering
48 months Korean Full-time
Forestry and Environmental Science
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Sciences
andbachelorenvironmentalforestrykookmin
48 months Korean Full-time
Korean Language and Literature
Humanities
Humanities
bachelorhumanitieskllkoreankorean language and literature
48 months Korean Full-time
Public Administration
Social Sciences
Social Sciences
undergraduate social sciences admission requirementspublic administrationbsc social sciencesundergraduate in social sciencesstudy social sciences undergraduate
48 months Korean Full-time
Sports and Leisure Studies
Sports Science
Sports Science
bachelor in sports sciencestudy sports science in south koreastudy sports science in seoulbachelor's sports sciencebsc sports science
48 months Korean Full-time
Master Programs (8)
International Business
Business
Business
master in businessmaster's businessstudy business in south koreastudy business in seoulenglish business program in south korea
24 months English Full-time
Master of Applied Chemistry
STEM
Applied Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
chemistryapplied chemistrykookminmaster in chemistrychemical sciences
24 months Korean Full-time
Information Security
STEM
Computer Science
Computer Science
study Computer Science in Seoulcomputer science careerstudy Computer Science in South Koreacoding degreemasters in Computer Science
24 months Korean Full-time
Industrial Design
Design
Design
design programs in south koreainternational design programstudy design in south koreaabroad design degreebest design programs
24 months Korean Full-time
Automotive Design
Design
Design
masterdesignsouth koreaseoulkookmin
24 months English Full-time
Education
Education
Education
english master education south koreaenglish-taught msc educationeducation mastermaster education in south koreateacher training program
24 months Korean Full-time
Mechanical Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
masters in engineeringmaster's in engineeringstudy engineering in south koreaengineering masters in seoulengineering program in korean
24 months Korean Full-time
Law
Law
Law
graduate programlawlaw in south korealaw masterlaw program
24 months Korean Full-time
PhD Programs (3)
Architecture
STEM
Architecture
Architecture
architecturedoctor of philosophydoctoraldoctoratekookmin university
36 months Korean Full-time
Computer Science
STEM
Computer Science
Computer Science
computercomputer sciencedoctordoctoraldoctorate
36 months Korean Full-time
Automotive Engineering
STEM
Engineering
Engineering
phd in engineeringstudy engineeringengineering degreekorean-taught phd engineeringengineering program in seoul
36 months Korean Full-time
Kookmin University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate Open (60%+)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Tuition (per year) $5.3k - $11.3k/yr
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kookmin University
Common questions from international students considering Kookmin University.
What is the acceptance rate at Kookmin University?
Kookmin University is classified as "Open (60%+)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.
How much does Kookmin University cost for international students?
Tuition at Kookmin University ranges from $5.3k - $11.3k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.
What is Kookmin University ranked globally?
Kookmin University holds the following rankings: QS World #1001, Times Higher Education #1201, #30 in South Korea. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.
When does Kookmin University start its semesters?
Kookmin University has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.
How many English-taught programs does Kookmin University offer?
Kookmin University offers 2+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.
Where is Kookmin University located?
Kookmin University is located in Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.
What are the admission requirements for Kookmin University?
For specific details about Kookmin University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
What programs does Kookmin University offer?
For specific details about Kookmin University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
How does Kookmin University compare to other universities?
Kookmin University is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #1001). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.
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