강서대학교GANGSEO UNIVERSITY

About University

A place where the dynamism of Seoul meets the warmth of community spirit, Kangseo University is a private institution boasting a deep history and tradition that began in 1958 with the vision of American missionary Haskell Cheshire. Located in Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, the university upholds “Asian mission and social responsibility” as its core values, focusing on nurturing global leaders who possess both faith and professional expertise. Over more than 60 years of growth alongside the local community, Kangseo University is proud of its family-like atmosphere that cherishes each student’s dreams and its pleasant campus environment in the heart of Seoul. The most distinctive feature of Kangseo University is its flexible operation of seven departments across three divisions—Humanities & Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Arts & Physical Education—without rigid separation into colleges, offering a curriculum that balances practical skills and theoretical knowledge. In particular, the university has shown strengths in fields requiring a deep understanding of humanity and society, such as theology, social welfare, and education. Its graduate programs include both general and specialized graduate schools in education, social welfare, and theology, providing a variety of professional tracks. The football team, established in 2017, has brought new energy to university sports culture and exemplifies the university’s spirit of valuing healthy community experiences alongside academics. Above all, Kangseo University’s unique competitive edge lies in its long-standing, close relationship with the “Churches of Christ,” through which it has developed a distinctive faith-based education system. Kangseo University has a history of challenge and innovation, marked by several name changes in response to changing times. Founded in 1958 as the “Korea Christian College,” it later became “Korea Christian Church Theological Seminary,” “Christ Theological University,” “Christ University,” and “KC University,” before finally establishing itself as “Kangseo University” in 2022. These changes are evidence of the university’s expanding social influence as a pillar of modern Christian education in Korea. The university also boasts an active alumni network, with many graduates working in broadcasting, entertainment, sports, and other fields, providing strong career support for current students. Notably, despite being a newly formed team, the football club established in 2017 has attracted attention for its outstanding teamwork and achievements, demonstrating new possibilities for university sports. For international students, Kangseo University is an open window of opportunity. In addition to offering courses in English, applicants are eligible to apply if they have a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above (or IELTS 5.5), or if they are from English-speaking countries. The environment where students can take classes in English is a significant advantage for international students adapting to their studies. Upon admission, there are scholarship programs for international students, providing scholarships covering 10–30% of tuition, with a simple application process requiring only a recommendation letter or language proficiency scores. The university also operates exchange and study abroad scholarship programs with major overseas universities in the United States, Austria, China, and more, offering opportunities to study abroad for a semester or a year with full scholarships. The dormitories provide a comfortable environment, allowing international students to begin their life in Korea with ease. (As IEQAS certification status is not specified in official announcements, it is recommended to contact the International Office separately regarding visa and scholarship support.) The Hwagok-dong campus offers excellent access to public transportation, including Seoul’s subway and bus systems, making commuting convenient from anywhere in the city. The campus consists of nine well-maintained buildings, and a pleasant campus life unfolds along the road leading from the northwest main gate. The close-knit community typical of a small university, a variety of clubs and sports teams, and a student-centered support system help international students quickly adapt and fully enjoy an authentic “Seoul life.” At Kangseo University, you can open up your dreams and future right in the heart of Seoul.