Kookmin 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
- 59.7%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (31,123 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:16
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 74.0%
- Retention Rate
- 80.0%
- 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
Campus life at Kookmin reflects broader patterns of Korean university culture while maintaining some distinctive elements. Student clubs and organizations cover every imaginable interest, from traditional arts to modern hobbies. MT (membership training) retreats build bonds within student groups, involving travel, activities, and considerable socializing over food and drinks. The campus itself offers reasonable facilities including libraries, cafeterias, and student centers. The mountain setting provides unusual access to hiking trails literally steps from academic buildings. Students often escape to mountain paths between classes or gather at scenic spots overlooking the city. Dormitory housing is limited and competitive, as at most Korean urban universities. Most students commute from family homes or nearby apartments using Seoul's excellent public transit. This commuter culture shapes social life, with much activity happening in the Jeongneung and Gireum neighborhoods near campus rather than on campus itself. Dating culture, fashion consciousness, and social drinking are significant parts of Korean university life that Kookmin shares with other institutions. Greek-style organizations don't exist, but club activities and informal social groups serve similar functions. The university's design programs create an artistically inclined subset of students whose work appears in exhibitions and competitions. This adds creative energy to campus life that might be absent at more technically focused schools.
Location & Surroundings
Kookmin's main campus occupies a hillside location in Seongbuk-gu, a residential district in northern Seoul. The setting against Bugaksan mountain provides natural beauty uncommon among urban Korean campuses. Walking from lower to upper campus involves significant elevation change, keeping students fit but challenging during summer heat or winter ice. The campus is accessible via Seoul Metro Line 4, with Gireum and Mia stations within walking distance. Bus connections supplement subway access. Like most of Seoul, the area is dense with restaurants, convenience stores, cafes, and shops serving student needs. Coffee culture thrives in Korea, and the streets near campus feature countless cafes where students study and socialize. Seoul itself offers everything you would expect from a global megacity of 10 million people. Entertainment, culture, shopping, and nightlife are endless. The Hongdae and Gangnam districts draw students on weekends, while historical sites in Jongno and Bukchon showcase Korea's past. Climate brings four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with monsoon rains in July. Winters bring cold temperatures and occasional snow, though milder than continental Asian cities. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage create beautiful campus moments. Living costs in Seoul are significant, particularly housing. Students budget carefully and many work part-time jobs in retail, tutoring, or service industries.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Kookmin runs approximately 8 to 9 million Korean won annually, which translates to roughly $6,000 to $7,000 USD. This places it in the typical range for Korean private universities, below the most expensive schools but above national universities. Engineering and design programs cost more than humanities due to laboratory and studio fees. Financial aid exists through university scholarships, government grants, and work-study programs. Korea provides substantial support for domestic students based on both merit and need. International students have fewer aid options but may qualify for government scholarships through their home countries or Korean programs like the GKS scholarship. Career outcomes for Kookmin graduates are generally solid, with the university's industry connections helping with job placement. Graduates from design and automotive engineering programs find positions at major Korean companies with relative ease. Business graduates compete in Korea's corporate job market, which remains extremely competitive regardless of university prestige. The Korean job market heavily emphasizes educational credentials, making university reputation important. Kookmin sits in the second tier below the top SKY universities (Seoul National, Korea, Yonsei) but above lower-ranked schools. Graduates can expect reasonable opportunities, though the most prestigious companies often filter applications by university rank. Alumni networks provide career support and social connections that extend well beyond graduation. Korea's business culture emphasizes personal relationships, making these networks genuinely valuable.
Campus Location
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