Kangnam University (KNU)

About

Kangnam University is a private higher-education institution located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Founded in 1946, it has developed into a multidisciplinary university with six undergraduate colleges. Its academic offerings cover social welfare, business administration and management, global culture and contents, engineering, arts and physical education, and education. The university highlights social welfare and ICT convergence as key areas and provides education designed to foster practical skills, creativity and social responsibility. Its 2026 academic structure includes programmes in fields such as social welfare, senior business, business, economics and finance, international trade, law and public administration, culture and contents, international studies, computer engineering, artificial intelligence, semiconductor engineering, real estate and construction, design, sports, music and education.

Objectives

KNU aims to foster talented individuals who explore truth and build up their character based on our founding spirit to serve for development of society and humankind.

• Nurture civilized individuals
• Foster professionals
• Cultivate minds of service

Main Academic Divisions (Faculties)

• College of Humanities
• College of International Studies
• College of Education
• College of Business Administration
• College of Social Sciences
• College of Social Welfare
• College of Engineering
• College of Arts and Physical Education
• College of Development of Future Talents
• College of KNU True Talents
• College of German Music
• College of Senior Industry Management

Reasons to Study at Kangnam University

1. Strong International Opportunities

   Kangnam University’s Office of International Affairs currently maintains partnerships with 255 universities and institutions in 38 countries. These partnerships support student exchanges, dual-degree programmes and joint academic activities.

2. Scholarships for International Students

   International students can qualify for tuition reductions based on Korean-language proficiency and academic performance. For example, the university's 2026 scholarship information lists 40% tuition support for eligible entrants with TOPIK 3+ or equivalent Korean-language completion, 60% for TOPIK 5, and full tuition for TOPIK 6. Continuing international students can also receive performance-based tuition scholarships.

3. Welfare and ICT Convergence

   Kangnam University has identified the convergence of welfare and ICT as an important direction in its institutional development, building on its historical strength in social welfare while incorporating digital and technological fields.

Fees

Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirement

1. Educational qualification

• Applicant must have completed or be expected to complete high school or an equivalent qualification.
• For the international-student route where both parents are foreign nationals, the applicant must have completed the required secondary education outside Korea according to Kangnam's admission rules. 
• The applicant must provide official proof of high school graduation and academic records.

2. Nationality requirement

• For the “both parents are foreign nationals” category, the applicant and both parents must be foreign nationals.
• Korean nationals are not eligible for this particular international admission category.

3. Korean-language requirement
For applicants who completed their entire education outside Korea, Kangnam accepts one of the following for the Korean-language requirement:

• TOPIK Level 3 or higher
• Completion of Sejong Hakdang Intermediate 1 or higher
• KIIP Level 3 or higher, or a qualifying pre-assessment score
• Completion of Kangnam University Language Education Institute Level 3 or higher
• Completion of Level 3 or higher at a Korean university language institute.

Postgraduate Admission Requirments

Minimum Admission Requirements

As prospective graduate students who hold(or will hold by February(2021) the minimum equivalent
of a four-year bachelor's degree from universities in Korea or its equivalent from a foreign
institution,

1) foreigner whose parents are both foreigners

2) Overseas Koreans and foreigners who have completed the entire curriculum (over 16 years) corresponding to Korea's primary and secondary education and college education in foreign countries(Those who have no nationality or dual citizenship are excluded from foreigners)

3) Those who meet the following requirements 

- Global Cultural and Contents, Global Cultural Arts Science : TOEFL 530(CBT 197,iBT 71), IELTS 5.5, CEFR B2, TEPS 600 or higher, (or those who hold nationality in a country that uses English as their first language and/or official language, and have completed secondary or higher education)

Supporting Documents

• Application
• Certificate of Diploma(Enrollment)
• Official Academic Transcript (Undergraduate & Graduate School)
• Copy of Passport
• Evidence of family relation (Both the original and the translation should be submitted. Also, a document can verify the English name of the parents). Include the English name in the Korean translation.
• Certificate of Alien Registration
• Certificate of Entry & Exit
• Proof document of the temporary place of residence
• Professor recommendation letter from university where applicant graduated from (one or more people)
• English language track. Proof documents that shows English proficiency
• Study Plan
• Consent for Personal Information Collection and Usage Agreement

How To Apply For Admission

Admission Process:

• Applying online & Submitting documents
• Application Period(Accept applications)
• Review of applications
• Notification of admission decisions
• Registration
• matriculation ceremony & Freshman/Transfer Orientation

Admission Contacts

Email: [email protected]
Phone : +82-31-280–3854, +82-31-280-3851

Gallery

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  Library

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  Accommodation

Campus Tour

Facilities

• Health Care Center: The healthcare center aims to promote better health in students, faculty, and staff so that they can study, research, and practice educational activities. It is free of charge and offers the following:

              1.Healthcare services and consultation

              2.Health evaluation and consultation

              3.Medical emergency treatment and transfer to hospital

              4.On-campus sanitary management

              5.Join accident insurance for current students

              6.Other matters related to on-campus healthcare

• Cafeteria: Cafés, Coffee/snack shops, Campus bookstore/stationery shop, Convenience-oriented student welfare facilities.

• Fitness & Sports Facilities: The university has facilities supporting physical activity and student wellbeing. The campus map includes fitness/training rooms, shower facilities and other spaces associated with physical education and sports activities.

Accreditations

A. Korean University Institutional Accreditation

Accrediting body: Korean University Accreditation Institute (KUAI), affiliated with the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE)

B. International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS)

Body: Ministry of Education & National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)

C. ACQUIN — International Certification

Body: ACQUIN (Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute), Germany.

Vice Chancellor

Notable Alumni

• 
  Choi Jae-sung Actor
• 
  Son Yoo Kyung Actress
• 
  Kim Su-ji Volleyball Player

History

• 1946: Founded on July 1 by Reverend Yi Ho-bin as the Choong-ang Theology Institute (later Joongang Seminary) in Seoul.
• 1953: Established South Korea’s first Department of Social Business, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in social work education.
• 1976: Renamed Kangnam Social Welfare School, drawing its name from its location in the Gangnam-gu district at the time.
• 1980: Relocated the campus to its permanent location in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do.
• 1989: Elevated and converted into Kangnam College.
• 1992: Officially upgraded to full 4-year university status and renamed Kangnam University.