All 39 Colleges and Universities in Seoul

Are you looking for all the colleges and universities in Seoul? Here, we will go over the list of private and public universities and colleges in Seoul.

In our database, there are a total of 39 institutions in Seoul including Korea National University of Arts, Seoul Christian University, and Korea National Sport University. Out of those institutions, 9 are public and 30 are private. Some of the public institutions are Korea National University of Arts, Korea National Sport University, and Seoul National University of Education. Some examples of private universities in Seoul are Seoul Christian University, Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary, and Korean Bible University.

University Name Location Type
Korea National University of Arts Seoul, South Korea Public
Seoul Christian University Seoul, South Korea Private
Korea National Sport University Seoul, South Korea Public
Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary Seoul, South Korea Private
Korean Bible University Seoul, South Korea Private
Chongshin University Seoul, South Korea Private
Seoul National University of Education Seoul, South Korea Public
Chugye University for the Arts Seoul, South Korea Public
Dongduk Women’s University Seoul, South Korea Private
Sungkonghoe University Seoul, South Korea Private
Seokyeong University Seoul, South Korea Private
Duksung Womens University Seoul, South Korea Private
Sahmyook University Seoul, South Korea Private
Gangseo University Seoul, South Korea Private
Hansung University Seoul, South Korea Private
Hongik University Seoul, South Korea Private
University of Seoul Seoul, South Korea Public
Sangmyung University Seoul, South Korea Private
Seoul Womens University Seoul, South Korea Public
Kwangwoon University Seoul, South Korea Private
Sungshin Women’s University Seoul, South Korea Private
Dongguk University Seoul, South Korea Public
Konkuk University Seoul, South Korea Private
Chung-Ang University Seoul, South Korea Private
Yonsei University Seoul, South Korea Private
Hanyang University Seoul, South Korea Private
Seoul National University of Science and Technology Seoul, South Korea Public
Kyung Hee University Seoul, South Korea Private
Ewha Womans University Seoul, South Korea Private
Sungkyunkwan University Seoul, South Korea Private
Kookmin University Seoul, South Korea Private
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Seoul, South Korea Private
Sookmyung Women’s University Seoul, South Korea Private
Sejong University Seoul, South Korea Private
Korea University Seoul, South Korea Private
Catholic University of Korea Seoul, South Korea Private
Soongsil University Seoul, South Korea Private
Seoul National University Seoul, South Korea Public
Sogang University Seoul, South Korea Private

1. Korea National University of Arts

Korean National University of Arts (K-Arts) opened in 1993 and is a leading provider of higher education in arts in the country, bringing together diverse fields and genres of art under one institution. Informed by a strong belief in the power of arts education, the university facilitates artists who strive to understand the world and reflect society in the works they create. It aims to nurture young artists to engage with the pressing issues in contemporary society and create works of art that will be the classics of the future. With an emphasis on deeper thinking and wider imagination, K-Arts offers programs in different art and cultural fields including music, drama, dance, film, and the arts.

2. Seoul Christian University

Seoul Christian University is a private institution that welcomes local and international students alike. It offers a wide range of study options at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The campus is home to excellent facilities, including a library, sports amenities, and performance halls.

3. Korea National Sport University

Korea National Sports University (KNSU), located in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious institution dedicated to the field of sports education and research. One of the notable aspects of KNSU is its strong emphasis on athlete development and sports performance. The university has training programs and specialized coaches dedicated to nurturing talented athletes and helping them reach their full potential. KNSU has produced numerous successful athletes who have achieved national and international recognition in their respective sports.

4. Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary

Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary (PUTS) is a prominent institution dedicated to higher education and theological training within the Presbyterian tradition. PUTS offers comprehensive academic programs that combine rigorous academic study with theological training, preparing students for various vocations within the church and society. PUTS is known for its dedicated faculty, comprised of esteemed scholars, theologians, and experienced practitioners who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom.

5. Korean Bible University

Korean Bible University, also known as KBU, is a Christian university in Seoul, South Korea. The university strongly emphasizes equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for Christian leadership and service. It seeks to develop individuals who are grounded in biblical wisdom, have a strong faith foundation, and can effectively minister to others in various contexts.

6. Chongshin University

Chongshin University is a prestigious Christian institution of higher education located in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1915, it has a long history and a solid commitment to Christian values and education. Chongshin University aims to provide students with a comprehensive education rooted in Christian principles, nurturing them to become leaders with moral character and a deep sense of social responsibility. One of the distinguishing features of Chongshin University is its close affiliation with the Presbyterian Church in Korea. The university is deeply rooted in the Presbyterian tradition and seeks to equip students with a strong theological foundation and a deep understanding of Christian doctrine.

7. Seoul National University of Education

Seoul National University of Education (SNUE) is a renowned institution with a special place in South Korea's educational landscape. Founded in 1946, SNUE has a rich history and a strong commitment to teacher education and research. SNUE prides itself on its rigorous curriculum, ensuring graduates are highly competent and well-prepared to meet classroom demands. The university strongly emphasizes practical training and field experiences, enabling students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world educational settings.

8. Chugye University for the Arts

Chugye University for the Arts is an institution of higher learning in Seoul specializing in music, arts, and design. The university styles itself as a pure art school and focuses on training talented individuals who can go on to become great artists and professionals. With a high emphasis on practice and individual creativity instead of rote learning and theory, the university hopes to create what it terms the 'art elites.' These art elites are creative professionals with a deep understanding of arts and culture. Using this approach to education, the university has produced outstanding musicians, actors, and actresses like Jun Kwang-Ryul, Moon Chae-won, and Park Hyun-bin.

9. Dongduk Women’s University

Dongduk Women’s University is a part of Dongduk Women's Educational Foundation, founded by Dr. Cho Dong-Shik, a pioneer in women’s education in the country. The foundation’s history dates back to 1908, and its graduates have been leaders of the independence movement. With a core value of virtue, and the aim to train talent with sincerity and integrity, the university has produced next-generation professional women who occupy leadership positions in different spheres of life.

10. Sungkonghoe University

Sungkonghoe University's history can be traced back to the establishment of St. Michael Seminary on Gangwha Island to foster clergy and spiritual training. The institute underwent many closures, relocations, name changes, and expansions before getting its current name and status. Today, Sungkonghoe University is a comprehensive university informed by its philosophy of openness, sharing, and service, offering programs across a range of disciplines at its campus in Seoul.

11. Seokyeong University

Seokyeong University (SKU) is a private institution located in Seoul. The university aims to join the top ten research universities in Korea. To fulfil its dream of becoming a highly-reputable research university, SKU conducts research at the highest level and invests heavily in cutting-edge ideas. It hopes its investment in research will proffer solutions to pressing societal issues while developing talented and impactful individuals.

12. Duksung Womens University

Duksung Women's University (DSWU) is a private university in Seoul founded by Ms. Cha Mirisa, an educator and women’s rights activist. Ms. Cha Mirisa established the university to cultivate the spirit of self–reliance, independence, and self-awareness in Korean women. The university has developed into one of the leading single-gender educational institutions. It is notable for its emphasis on nurturing women with a strong sense of righteousness, professionalism, and creativity. DSWU operates two campuses in Seoul, Korea, with the main campus located at the foot of Mt. Bukhan National Park, providing students with access to varied mountain activities like rock climbing and hiking. The second campus is located in the heart of downtown Seoul in proximity to beautiful, traditional, and ancient palaces.

13. Sahmyook University

Sahmyook University (SU) belongs to an international network of higher educational institutions managed by the Seventh-day Adventists and is the largest university owned by the Church. The university interacts with other sister universities worldwide to provide a global academic experience to its students. It is one of the Korean universities with extensive exchange programs and partners with more than 120 affiliate universities in diverse countries.

14. Gangseo University

Established in 1958 as the Korean Christian Academy, Gangseo University has undergone many name changes and expansions before getting its current name and status. It was founded by missionaries to educate ‘faithful people’ and continues to lay a great deal of emphasis on its Christian spirit and identity. The university aims to cooperate and grow with the local community, nurturing faith and character through Christian humanities.

15. Hansung University

Hansung University is a non-profit private institution of higher learning with a single campus in Seoul, South Korea. The university was founded on the philosophy of 'Truth and Virtue' and was initially a women's only university. Hansung aims to foster innovation, development, and competitiveness by training ethical and global-oriented individuals capable of adapting to a constantly changing world.

16. Hongik University

Hongik University was established as Hong-Moon Higher Educational Institute in the first year after Korean independence. Its goal is evident even from its name — Hongik translates to “service to mankind.” The university aims to contribute to the betterment of humankind by fulfilling its educational goal of establishing strong industry-academia links and training professionals who can serve society. The university has a four-campus network, with impressive campuses in Seoul, Sejong, Daehakro, and Hwaseong.

17. University of Seoul

The University of Seoul's history dates back more than a century and can be traced to the establishment of an agricultural college in 1918. Over the years, it has expanded to add more departments and transformed into a comprehensive university offering programs across different disciplines at its campus in Seoul. The university is committed to its mission to explore truth and facilitate innovative research to serve society. It aims to continue producing future leaders of the country and lead the way forward in this technology-dominant era by supporting advancement in crucial areas, including big data and artificial intelligence.

18. Sangmyung University

Sangmyung University, renowned as SMU, is an esteemed institution of higher education in South Korea. With its establishment in 1937, SMU is passionately committed to nurturing individuals with well-rounded capabilities, including creative thinking, global perspectives, and ethical values. The university's unwavering mission is to deliver exceptional education, foster groundbreaking research, and make meaningful societal contributions. Additionally, the university actively promotes community engagement and offers various extracurricular activities to ensure students' holistic development.

19. Seoul Womens University

Seoul Women's University (SWU) is a private university in Seoul dedicated to training ethical and competent women. The university was founded to provide women with the highest quality education possible and gained an early reputation for its exacting standards, excellence in academic research, and progressive pedagogical methods. It is, in essence, a single-gender university committed to training women that will positively contribute to the growth of society. As a result, the university also emphasizes the development of moral values and leadership skills in its students.

20. Kwangwoon University

Kwangwoon University, also known as KWU, is a distinguished institution of higher learning in South Korea. Founded in 1934, KWU is committed to cultivating talented individuals equipped with advanced knowledge and skills in engineering and technology. The university’s mission is to contribute to developing science and technology, foster creativity and innovation, and nurture global leaders. Notably, KWU is recognized for its strong engineering, computer science, and multimedia programs. The university promotes industry-academia cooperation, providing students with practical training and internship opportunities.

21. Sungshin Women’s University

Founded in 1936, it is one of the country's oldest and most prestigious women's universities. The university is named after its founder, Sook-Chong Lee, who envisioned providing quality education to women in Korea during a time when opportunities for women's education were limited. The university is committed to promoting women's empowerment and fostering leadership qualities among its students. It strives to create an inclusive and supportive community where women can thrive academically and personally.

22. Dongguk University

Founded by Buddhist pioneers in 1906, Dongguk University has an eventful history, including two forceful closures during the Japanese occupation of Korea. These experiences cemented the three pillars of its identity: Buddhism, ethnicity, and history. The university has fostered specialists to contribute to Korea’s democratization and development and has been consistently engaged in efforts to develop Buddhism in the country. Although a Buddhist university, it welcomes staff and students belonging to all faiths.

23. Konkuk University

Konkuk University is a leading private university in Korea, founded with the goal to preserve the country’s sovereignty and produce graduates who would serve to build Korea. In addition to the founding philosophy of 'nation-building through education', the university currently hopes to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world through a focus on education that centers creativity and drives novelty. With over 25,000 students studying at its two campuses in Seoul and Chungju, Konkuk is a top choice for higher education in Korea.

24. Chung-Ang University

Chung-Ang University (CAU), often called Chungang, is a distinguished private institution in Seoul, South Korea. Since its establishment in 1918, CAU has been dedicated to fostering excellence in education, research, and service. The university aims to become a leading global institution that nurtures creative and socially responsible leaders. With two campuses in Seoul's bustling metropolitan area, Chung-Ang offers students a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.

25. Yonsei University

The foundation of Yonsei University can be traced back to Christian missionary work in the region, particularly in the establishment and growth of two institutions – Korea’s first modern hospital, which transformed over the years into Severance Medical School, and a school that expanded and transformed into Yonhi University. The two institutions survived the tumultuous years of Japanese colonization and supported the democratization and modernization of Korea after the war. Severance and Yonhi merged in 1957 to become Yonsei University, which has grown into one of the best universities in the country and is a driving contributor to its economic and political growth. Its Christian roots are an essential part of its identity – Yonsei aims to train future national and world leaders in the spirit of Christianity, with an abiding commitment to truth and freedom.

26. Hanyang University

Born during the tumultuous years of the Japanese occupation, Hanyang University was founded with the dream of liberating Korea. This dream tied education with independence and emphasized Hanyang University's commitment to teaching students to achieve growth and stability. Through the most eventful period in Korean history spanning the last few years of Japan’s colonization, the Korean War, as well as the ensuing period of rapid economic growth and democratization, the university kept true to its founding principle of encouraging innovation to advance national good. In the past few decades, it has grown at an impressive rate, adding departments, increasing student enrollments and even opening a new campus in Ansan. Even as Hanyang University has developed into a leading university in the country, it has expanded its ambit to include the growth of Asia and the world.

27. Seoul National University of Science and Technology

The university’s history can be traced back to the establishment of the Public Eoeudong Vocational Continuing School. The institute underwent many reorganizations and name changes before it was transformed into the Seoul National University of Science and Technology, as it is known today. Popularly referred to as Seoultech, the university abides by its principle of contributing to the development of Korea and the future. Its large, green campus in Gongneung is nestled at the foot of Buram Mountain and designed like a park with ponds, trees, and lawns, providing a great academic and social environment.

28. Kyung Hee University

Kyung Hee University, also known as KHU, is a prestigious private institution in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1949, the university aims to foster global leaders who contribute to developing humanity and peace. With a vision to become a world-class university, Kyung Hee emphasizes holistic education, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Moreover, the university is recognized worldwide for its research achievements and commitment to global engagement.

29. Ewha Womans University

The origins of Ewha Womans University can be traced back to the establishment of the country’s first modern educational institute for women by an American missionary. From its humble beginnings with one student in a Korean-style house, the university has seen tremendous growth and expanded to include more than 21,000 students enrolled at its beautiful campus in Sinchong. With a vision of building an innovative platform for a sustainable society, Ewha aims to train future women leaders with an emphasis on the Christian spirit. Decades of progress have propelled Ewha as the top women’s university in the country and a global hub for women’s education.

30. Sungkyunkwan University

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) has a long and glorious history, going back to its foundation at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the oldest university in East Asia, and is respected for being a guardian of Korea’s rich traditions. For over 600 years, SKKU has been guided by the ideology that students strive to contribute to society and become the best leaders they can be. It has withstood dynasty changes, foreign occupation, independence movements, wars, and even fire, emerging as a leading Korean university. The university expanded and opened a new campus in Suwon to house its science programs, while the humanities and social sciences programs that it is known for continue to be taught at the Seoul campus. SKKU has ranked consistently within the top 100 world universities and top 20 Asian universities, and blends tradition with modernity to produce global leaders for the 21st century.

31. Kookmin University

Kookmin University (KMU) was the country’s first private university established after its liberation. The founding vision of the university was to train and nurture students to lead a free and democratic Korea. Staying true to its philosophy to foster “practical people and dedicated professionals,” KMU is today one of the largest universities in the metropolitan Seoul area.

32. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) was first established as a foreign language institute. Founded shortly after the end of a war, the university’s identity is tied to the idea of democracy, leading to its commitment to instill individuality and leadership in its students. HUFS has had an essential role in rebuilding the nation after the war and has produced many excellent diplomats, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. The institute has expanded over the years to become a comprehensive university offering programs in a wide range of fields while staying committed to its founding spirit of truth, peace, and creation. HUFS, considered to be Korea’s best foreign language education institute, has two campuses in Seoul and Yong-in, with a third campus underway in Song-do.

33. Sookmyung Women’s University

Sookmyung Women’s University has been a pioneering institution since it first began as a school with five girls in Yongdong Palace in 1906, opened with funding from the Royal Family. Recognizing the need for women to have learning opportunities, it was the benefactor of a nationwide fund-raising campaign in 1938. The institute has undergone several name changes, relocations, and transformations to become Sookmyung Women’s University, an important national institution with a rich legacy created by the last Royal family and the people of Korea. One of the leading universities in the country, Sookmyung has produced talented female graduates from different walks of life to lead the democratization and development of Korea.

34. Sejong University

Established first as a 3-year higher educational institute called Kyung Sung Humanities Institute, Sejong University (SU) underwent many name changes and reorganizations before it got its current name and status. Now a full-fledged university offering programs across disciplines at its campus in Seoul, SU stays true to its founding educational ideals of the spirit of Love, Christianity, and Teaching of the People.

35. Korea University

Korea University’s origins can be traced back to the establishment of Bosung College by Lee Yong-ik, and its history is deeply tied to the country’s history. It emerged as a space to understand nationalism through education and was a key venue for the struggle against Japanese occupation. Renamed Korea University after the national liberation, the institution is an important symbol in the Republic of Korea's modern history, embodying the spirit of resistance and the country's conscience. Over the years, Korea University has grown and expanded to become not only a top national university, but a leading research-driven global university in the 21st century.

36. Catholic University of Korea

The Catholic University of Korea, or CUK, is a prominent higher education institution in South Korea. Rooted in Catholic values, CUK strives to foster intellectual and moral growth among its students. The university operates multiple campuses across South Korea, including the main campus in Bucheon and additional campuses in Seoul, Daejeon, and Songdo. Moreover, it offers a nurturing environment for students to pursue their academic and spiritual journeys.

37. Soongsil University

Soongsil University, or SSU, is a renowned educational institution in Seoul, South Korea. SSU is committed to nurturing future leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility. The university boasts a main campus in Seoul's vibrant Sangdo-dong district, offering a bustling academic environment. With a rich history dating back to 1897, SSU has established itself as a prestigious institution dedicated to academic excellence and the holistic development of its students.

38. Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU), often called the “Harvard of South Korea,” is a prestigious institution in Seoul. With a mission to foster excellence in education and research, SNU aims to cultivate creative and socially responsible leaders. The university boasts two campuses, Gwanak and Yeongeon, known for their picturesque landscapes and modern facilities. SNU’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and global engagement has solidified its reputation as one of the top universities in Asia and the world.

39. Sogang University

Sogang University, often called "Sogang" is a prominent educational institution in Seoul, South Korea. The university's mission is to cultivate intellectuals who can contribute to the betterment of society through critical thinking and ethical values. Notable facts about the university include its high rankings in the country, diverse international student body, and active engagement in research, particularly in social sciences, humanities, and business fields.