한국복지대학교Korea National University Of Welfare

About University

Korea National University of Welfare is a national university located in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. It was established in 2001 in response to the need for a higher education institution in Korea specializing in welfare and rehabilitation. In 2022, the university changed its name to “Korea National University of Welfare,” marking a new leap forward, and in 2023, it became a central hub for future-oriented welfare education through its integration with Hankyong National University. In short, Korea National University of Welfare is the only national specialized welfare university in Korea leading innovation in the fields of welfare and rehabilitation. The university’s most distinctive feature is its unique history and expertise as the only institution in Korea dedicated to higher education for people with disabilities and the training of welfare professionals. In fact, Korea National University of Welfare is known as the “cradle of higher education for people with disabilities,” offering top-level curricula and practical training systems in welfare, rehabilitation, special education, and health. Especially notable is its integrated educational environment where students with and without disabilities learn and grow together—a unique culture and source of pride for the university. For example, various majors such as rehabilitation counseling, special education, social welfare, and health care provide field-oriented education with strengthened links to practical work, and industry-academia cooperation with the local community is also active. Thanks to its location near Pyeongtaek, an industrial city in the southern metropolitan area, the university has strong advantages in field training and employment connections. Furthermore, following the integration, the university has solidified its national leadership in the welfare field based on expanded educational resources and networks. Historically, Korea National University of Welfare holds great significance as the first national specialized university in Korea to provide customized higher education for people with disabilities, and its inclusive educational philosophy for social minorities and the underprivileged is central to its operation. Many alumni are active in various fields such as social welfare organizations, education offices, public institutions, and medical facilities, making tangible impacts on welfare policy development and social change. The university also boasts one of the highest national certification acquisition rates in the welfare and rehabilitation fields. Additionally, it takes pride in consistently producing experts, policymakers, and field leaders who drive the advancement of disability rights and innovation in welfare practices. Korea National University of Welfare also offers unique opportunities for international students. It has been selected as an excellent certified university in the “International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS)” supervised by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice, nationally verifying its capabilities in managing and supporting international students. This certification streamlines visa issuance and automatically connects students to various scholarship benefits, including the Government Scholarship Program (GKS). Each year, international students of various nationalities major in welfare and rehabilitation, gaining opportunities to learn about Korea’s welfare system and practices firsthand. The dormitory provides dedicated spaces and tailored support for international students, and some majors offer English-taught courses and tutoring programs. In addition, a dedicated support team assists international students throughout the entire process from admission to graduation and employment, ensuring a stable adjustment to life in Korea. Tuition is reasonable, at the national university average, and a variety of financial support programs are available, including merit-based, need-based, and welfare-specialized scholarships. The campus is conveniently located near the center of Pyeongtaek, offering excellent transportation access, and features a single-campus structure that combines a pleasant natural environment with state-of-the-art welfare facilities to maximize student safety and convenience. Pyeongtaek, a key city in the southern metropolitan area, is adjacent to major industrial complexes of companies like Samsung and Hyundai, providing abundant opportunities for internships and employment. On campus, living infrastructure such as libraries, gyms, and student welfare centers is well established, and a variety of clubs, festivals, and cultural programs focused on welfare and rehabilitation are actively operated. If you aspire to become a professional leading inclusivity and welfare innovation in Korean society, Korea National University of Welfare is the best starting point to realize your dreams.