Hongik University
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 62.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (22,270 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:17
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 71.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $6,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $10,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
The Hongdae neighborhood surrounding Hongik University pulses with energy, particularly in the evenings when students, young professionals, and tourists fill the streets. Clubs featuring live indie music, street performances, art markets on weekends, and countless restaurants create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Seoul. Students at Hongik live in the center of this scene, many finding inspiration in the creative chaos surrounding campus. Campus facilities include extensive studio spaces for art and design students, workshops equipped for metalworking, woodworking, and ceramics, and computer labs with specialized software for digital design work. Exhibition halls host regular shows of student work, creating professional development opportunities and attracting attention from galleries and potential employers. The campus art museum presents exhibitions of established artists alongside student showcases. Student organizations reflect the university's creative orientation, with clubs dedicated to various artistic practices, music genres, and cultural interests. The university festival, held each spring, transforms campus into a massive celebration featuring performances, exhibitions, and food vendors. Many students take part-time jobs or freelance work in the Hongdae area, gaining real-world experience while earning income. The neighborhood's reputation attracts creative professionals who value the energy and inspiration that comes from proximity to the university and its students.
Location & Surroundings
The main Hongik University campus sits in Seoul's Mapo District, along the Gyeongui Line that once connected Seoul to China and now serves as a linear park and cultural corridor. Subway Line 2 provides direct access to campus, with connections to all parts of Seoul including the business districts of Gangnam and the historic areas around Gyeongbokgung Palace. Students can reach virtually anywhere in the metropolitan area within an hour by public transit. The Hongdae neighborhood has evolved from a student district into one of Seoul's primary entertainment and cultural areas. This transformation happened organically as graduates stayed in the neighborhood to open studios, galleries, cafes, and shops. The result is a self-sustaining creative ecosystem where students can observe and participate in professional creative practice without leaving their immediate environment. Real estate prices have risen substantially, pushing some artists further from campus, but the core character remains. The Sejong City campus offers a different environment entirely, located in the planned new capital being developed in central Korea. This campus provides modern facilities in a less congested setting, though it lacks the cultural infrastructure surrounding the Seoul campus. Students at Sejong focus on engineering and business programs, benefiting from proximity to government agencies relocating to the new capital. Transportation between campuses takes about two hours by train.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Hongik University falls within the typical range for private Korean universities, with arts and design programs generally costing more than humanities or social science fields. Engineering and business programs occupy a middle tier. Students can apply for university scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or talent in specific areas. Government loan programs help students manage costs, with repayment beginning after graduation based on income levels. Career outcomes for Hongik graduates benefit from the university's strong reputation in creative fields. Design graduates find positions at major Korean companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai, which maintain large in-house design teams. Advertising agencies, branding consultancies, and fashion companies actively recruit from Hongik programs. Fine arts graduates pursue paths as practicing artists, gallery workers, art educators, and cultural administrators. The university's alumni network provides connections throughout Korean creative industries. Engineering graduates enter the technology sector, with strong placement at semiconductor, electronics, and software companies. Business graduates pursue management careers across industries, sometimes leveraging creative skills acquired through elective courses or exposure to the Hongik environment. The career center provides job posting services, interview preparation, and recruitment events throughout the year. Many students complete internships during their studies, often converting these experiences into full-time positions after graduation.
Campus Location
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