홍익대학교(본교)Hongik University

About University

At the heart of Seoul, where art and creative energy converge, Hongik University has established itself as a leading institution in contemporary Korean art and design education. Since its founding in 1946, the main campus in Mapo-gu, Seoul, has become renowned for its unique Bauhaus-style architecture and the artistic atmosphere that permeates the campus. Under the founding philosophy of “Hongik Ingan” (Creative Human), the university focuses on cultivating convergent talents across art, engineering, humanities, and business, and is recognized as a cradle of innovation that leads the times. Hongik University’s greatest distinction lies in its unrivaled influence in the fields of Korean art and design. Its College of Fine Arts is the first and largest in the country, offering a wide array of majors such as Woodworking & Furniture Design, Metal Art & Design, Industrial Design, Painting, and Printmaking. In fact, the term “Hongdae graduate” itself has become synonymous with artistic sensibility, and the departments of Industrial Design, Visual Communication Design, and Architecture also boast strong industry-academia collaborations and impressive records in international competitions. Other academic fields such as IT, business, humanities, and engineering are also highly regarded, and the university actively offers unique art-engineering convergence curricula and experimental projects rarely found at other institutions. The campus is unified by linear concrete buildings in the Bauhaus style built in the 1950s, creating a distinctive aesthetic, while the “Eternal Smile” sculpture in front of the main building stands as a symbol of Hongik, instilling pride in its students. Hongik University’s roster of distinguished alumni is equally impressive. The institution has produced influential figures across various fields in Korean society, including Park Seo-bo (former Dean of the College of Fine Arts and a master of the art world), world-renowned photographer Bae Bien-u, Oh Hyuk of Hyukoh, Gaeko of Dynamic Duo, broadcaster Noh Hong-chul, and travel writer Han Bi-ya. In particular, many prominent artists in visual design, painting, and sculpture have emerged from Hongik, as well as industry leaders like Lee Don-tae (Head of Global Design Team at Samsung Electronics) in industrial design, forging strong connections with global companies. In this way, Hongik University is an influential educational institution that supplies creative leaders not only to the arts but also to popular culture, innovative industries, and society at large. For international students, Hongik University is also an attractive choice. As a university certified by the Korean government’s IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System), students receive preferential benefits in visa issuance, scholarship applications, and more. Each year, students of diverse nationalities enroll, and the number of courses offered in English, both in major and general education subjects, is increasing to minimize language barriers. Scholarships such as the “Hongik Global Scholarship” and “International Exchange Scholarship” are available exclusively for international students or those with outstanding academic performance, providing full tuition or support of 600,000 to 900,000 KRW per semester. The dormitory also secures dedicated spaces for international students to aid in their adjustment, and support programs such as the International Language Education Center, mentoring/tutoring, and Korean cultural experiences are systematically provided. Scholarship applications can be made online or directly through departments, and various administrative services are offered in a one-stop system to minimize inconvenience for international students. Hongik University’s Seoul Campus is advantageously located in the city center, close to the Hongdae district, Art Street, and various cultural venues. The campus features a European-style park environment with soil and stone bricks instead of asphalt, allowing students to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere and a sense of artistic openness. Transportation is also excellent, with proximity to Hongik Univ. Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 and the Airport Railroad, and the surrounding area is filled with trendy cafes, galleries, and performance venues, enriching students’ cultural lives. At Hongik University, where artistic inspiration and creative passion are alive and thriving, you too can embark on a special journey to become a global talent.