Korea University Business School
Korea University Business School (KUBS) stands as one of Asia's premier business education institutions, operating as the business college within Korea University, itself one of Korea's most prestigious universities in the elite SKY group. KUBS traces its origins to the Commercial Department established in 1905, making it one of the oldest business education programs in Korea. Over more than a century, the school has evolved from foundational commercial training into a sophisticated business school offering comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs that have shaped Korean business leadership. The school's mission centers on developing business leaders who combine analytical rigor with ethical responsibility and global perspective. KUBS has educated countless executives who have built Korea's major conglomerates and shaped the nation's remarkable economic development. This legacy of business leadership creates powerful expectations and opportunities for current students, who enter professional networks extending throughout Korean industry and increasingly across global business communities. Contemporary KUBS pursues international recognition while maintaining its dominant position in Korean business education. The school has achieved AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, confirming its standing among globally recognized business schools. International partnerships enable student exchanges, dual degrees, and faculty collaboration with leading business schools worldwide. Investment in research, global faculty recruitment, and English-language instruction reflects KUBS's ambition to compete with the world's best business schools while serving Korean industry's evolving needs.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Student life at KUBS reflects both Korean university culture and the specific dynamics of business education. Undergraduate students participate in Korea University's broader campus life, with its active student clubs, competitive athletics, and the famous Korea-Yonsei rivalry that culminates in annual sports festivals. These traditions create bonds among students that translate into powerful alumni networks after graduation. MBA students, typically older and often employed, engage differently with campus life. Study groups form around team projects, networking events connect students with alumni and industry, and informal gatherings build relationships among cohort members. The school's location in Seoul's Seongbuk-gu district provides access to the city's restaurants, entertainment, and cultural venues. Korean business education involves demanding workloads, with students expected to prepare thoroughly for classes, participate actively in team projects, and maintain high performance standards. This intensity reflects broader Korean educational culture and prepares students for demanding corporate environments. International students find dedicated support services to help with adjustment to Korean culture and academic expectations. The school actively works to internationalize its student body, creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning.
Location & Surroundings
Korea University's main campus occupies a prime location in Seoul's Seongbuk-gu district, north of the city center. The campus combines traditional Korean architecture in some older buildings with modern facilities for the business school and other departments. The setting feels distinctly Korean while providing all the resources of a major research university. Seoul itself ranks among the world's most exciting cities for business and technology. Korean corporate headquarters, from Samsung and Hyundai to LG and SK, cluster in the metropolitan area. The startup ecosystem has exploded, with Gangnam district hosting technology companies and venture capital firms. Financial services concentrate in Yeouido, and international business flows through Incheon Airport, consistently rated among the world's best. Getting around Seoul is easy thanks to an excellent subway system, extensive bus networks, and affordable taxis. Students typically live in neighborhoods near campus or along convenient transit lines. Living costs in Seoul have risen substantially but remain below Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Singapore for comparable accommodation and lifestyle. Korean food is delicious and affordable, particularly at university-area restaurants catering to student budgets.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at KUBS varies by program, with undergraduate fees following Korea University's general structure and MBA programs priced according to format and duration. Full-time MBA tuition runs in the range of 40 to 50 million Korean won total for the program, while executive programs may cost more given their specialized nature. These figures put KUBS below comparable American programs but at the higher end for Korean institutions. Scholarships exist for qualified students across programs, including merit-based awards, need-based assistance, and special scholarships for international students. Korean government scholarships support some international students studying at Korean universities. Graduate assistantships and research positions may provide additional funding for qualified candidates. Career outcomes for KUBS graduates reflect the school's strong corporate connections. Undergraduate graduates enter Korea's major conglomerates, financial institutions, and consulting firms. MBA graduates often advance within their current organizations or transition to new opportunities at Korean or international companies. The alumni network, spanning decades of graduates now in senior positions, provides valuable connections for job seekers. Career services organize recruiting events, provide coaching on Korean job search processes, and maintain relationships with employers seeking KUBS talent. The school's reputation opens doors, but students still need to prepare thoroughly for competitive Korean hiring processes that often include multiple interview rounds and assessment centers.
Campus Location
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