Hongik University Logo Hongik University

Address: 94 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04066, South Korea
Phone: +82 2 320 1114
Email: admission@hongik.ac.kr
Website: www.hongik.ac.kr


At Hongik University, language requirements vary depending on the program (undergraduate or graduate) and whether the course is taught in Korean or English. International students need to demonstrate proficiency in either Korean or English, depending on the language of instruction.

1. Korean Language Requirements (for Korean-taught programs)

  • Most undergraduate and graduate programs at Hongik University are taught in Korean, so proficiency in the language is typically required for admission.

  • Applicants must submit scores from the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean). The required level depends on the program:

    • Undergraduate Programs: A TOPIK Level 3 or higher is usually required. Some competitive programs may require a higher level, such as TOPIK Level 4 or 5.
    • Graduate Programs: Generally, a TOPIK Level 4 or higher is required for graduate studies. Some graduate schools may require TOPIK Level 5 or 6, especially for programs in arts, humanities, and social sciences.

  • Korean Language Institute: For students who do not meet the required TOPIK level, Hongik University offers Korean language courses through its Language Education Center, allowing students to improve their proficiency before starting their degree.

2. English Language Requirements (for English-taught programs or international students)

  • Some programs, especially at the graduate level and in design, business, and engineering, are taught in English. In such cases, international students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English.

  • The accepted English proficiency tests include:

    • TOEFL (iBT): Minimum score requirement is typically 80 or higher.
    • IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.0 or higher.
    • TOEIC: Some programs may accept a TOEIC score of 700 or higher, although this is less common.

  • Graduate Programs: Some graduate programs may have higher English proficiency requirements (e.g., TOEFL iBT scores of 85 or 90 or IELTS scores of 6.5), particularly for programs that are fully taught in English.

3. Language-Specific Programs

  • Global Design and Business Programs: Hongik University offers a few English-taught programs, especially in international business and global design. For these programs, Korean language proficiency is not required, but English proficiency (as shown by TOEFL/IELTS scores) is necessary.
  • International Exchange Students: Exchange students may be exempt from strict language requirements if they enroll in courses taught in English. However, students wishing to take regular Korean-taught courses need to meet the university’s Korean language proficiency requirements.

4. Conditional Admission and Language Support

  • Conditional Admission: Some programs offer conditional admission to students who do not yet meet the language requirements. Students admitted under such conditions must complete language training (usually at the university’s Language Education Center) and reach the required proficiency level before beginning their academic studies.
  • Korean Language Courses: Hongik University provides a range of Korean language courses for international students. These include intensive language training and preparation for the TOPIK exam.

Hongik University, often regarded as one of South Korea’s top universities for art and design, offers a wide range of programs across multiple disciplines. While it is especially famous for its art and design courses, the university also has strong programs in engineering, business, and architecture. Here is an overview of the key course specialties at Hongik University:

1. Art and Design

  • Fine Arts: Known for producing some of South Korea’s most influential artists, Hongik University’s Fine Arts program covers painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media.
  • Visual Communication Design: Focuses on graphic design, branding, typography, and interactive media. This program is highly regarded in both Korea and internationally.
  • Industrial Design: A top-rated program that teaches students how to design consumer products, industrial equipment, and user-centered solutions.
  • Interior Design: This course specializes in the design of interior spaces for residential, commercial, and public environments, integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal.
  • Ceramic and Metal Design: Hongik’s programs in these areas are known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design concepts.
  • Animation and Game Design: Covers 2D/3D animation, visual effects, and game development, with a strong focus on creativity and technology.

2. Architecture

  • Architecture (5-Year Program): One of the top programs in South Korea, Hongik’s architecture course emphasizes sustainable design, urban architecture, and modern construction technologies.
  • Urban Design and Landscape Architecture: Focuses on the planning and development of urban areas, integrating green spaces, sustainability, and city design.

3. Engineering

  • Mechanical and Systems Design Engineering: Focuses on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems, integrating robotics and automation.
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Covers fields like telecommunications, power systems, and electronics, preparing students for careers in the high-tech industry.
  • Computer Engineering: Focuses on software development, hardware design, and emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning.
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering: Emphasizes sustainable infrastructure, transportation systems, and environmental protection technologies.

4. Business and Economics

  • Business Administration: Offers specializations in marketing, finance, management, and entrepreneurship. Hongik’s business program is growing in reputation, particularly for its integration of creative thinking and practical business skills.
  • Economics: Focuses on both micro- and macroeconomics, with applications to real-world business and public policy.
  • Global Business: A program designed for international students and those looking to work in multinational corporations, with courses taught in English.

5. Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Korean Language and Literature: Focuses on Korean literary history, modern literature, and cultural studies.
  • English Language and Literature: Covers a broad spectrum of English literature, linguistics, and cultural studies, with an emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills.
  • Law: Offers a comprehensive program that covers civil, criminal, and international law, preparing students for careers in legal practice, government, or business law.

6. Performing Arts

  • Music: Specializations in classical performance, composition, and music theory. The program is known for its strong focus on both technical skills and artistic expression.
  • Dance: Includes ballet, contemporary dance, and choreography, emphasizing performance as well as theoretical studies.
  • Theater and Film: Offers courses in acting, directing, film production, and scriptwriting, with a focus on both the artistic and technical aspects of performance and cinema.

7. Digital Media and Technology

  • Digital Media Design: A cutting-edge program that merges design, technology, and media studies. Students learn about user experience (UX) design, web development, and interactive design.
  • Computer Graphics and Multimedia: Focuses on visual effects, animation, and virtual reality, preparing students for careers in entertainment, tech, and media industries.

8. Education

  • Art Education: Prepares students to become art educators, with a strong focus on pedagogical techniques and creative teaching methods for schools and community programs.
  • General Education: Offers a range of courses for those pursuing teaching careers in various subjects at primary and secondary education levels.

9. Advertising and Public Relations

  • Advertising: Offers students a deep understanding of marketing communications, digital advertising, and media strategy.
  • Public Relations: Focuses on PR strategies, brand management, and communication theory, preparing students for careers in corporate communications and media relations.

10. Fashion Design

  • Hongik’s Fashion Design program combines creativity and commercial insight, teaching students about garment construction, fashion illustration, textile design, and fashion marketing.

Hongik University boasts a number of distinguished professors, especially in the fields of art, design, architecture, and engineering. Here are some notable professors who have made significant contributions to their respective disciplines:

1. Professor Yoon Jin-Soo (윤진수)

  • Field: Fine Arts
  • Specialization: Painting and Contemporary Art
  • Contributions: Professor Yoon is recognized for his innovative approach to contemporary painting. His work often explores themes of identity and cultural representation, and he has exhibited his art in various national and international galleries.

2. Professor Kim Sung-Hoon (김성훈)

  • Field: Industrial Design
  • Specialization: Product Design and User Experience
  • Contributions: A leader in the field of industrial design, Professor Kim focuses on user-centered design and innovation. He has collaborated with major companies and has contributed to research in design methodologies that enhance user experiences.

3. Professor Park Ji-Sung (박지성)

  • Field: Architecture
  • Specialization: Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design
  • Contributions: Professor Park is known for his work in sustainable urban design and architecture. He emphasizes the integration of environmental considerations in architectural practices and has published numerous papers on sustainable design strategies.

4. Professor Lee Min-Ho (이민호)

  • Field: Animation and Game Design
  • Specialization: 3D Animation and Visual Effects
  • Contributions: An expert in animation, Professor Lee has been instrumental in advancing 3D animation techniques and visual effects in the film industry. He has worked on several notable projects and is actively involved in research and development in the field.

5. Professor Choi Hyun-Jung (최현정)

  • Field: Interior Design
  • Specialization: Space Planning and Design Theory
  • Contributions: Professor Choi is known for her research in interior design and space planning. She focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that enhance user experiences and well-being.

6. Professor Seo Young-Sook (서영숙)

  • Field: Digital Media Design
  • Specialization: Interactive Design and UX/UI
  • Contributions: Professor Seo is a prominent figure in digital media design, particularly in interactive design and user experience. Her work has contributed to advancements in UX/UI design for digital platforms and applications.

7. Professor Kim Hyung-Joon (김형준)

  • Field: Engineering
  • Specialization: Mechanical Engineering and Robotics
  • Contributions: Professor Kim specializes in robotics and mechanical systems. His research focuses on the development of robotic technologies and their applications in various industries, contributing to advancements in automation and smart technologies.

8. Professor Han Jae-Hoon (한재훈)

  • Field: Fashion Design
  • Specialization: Fashion Theory and Textile Design
  • Contributions: An expert in fashion design, Professor Han has contributed to the study of fashion theory and textile design. He is known for his innovative approaches to sustainable fashion practices.

9. Professor Lee Sang-Young (이상영)

  • Field: Public Relations and Advertising
  • Specialization: Marketing Communication and Brand Management
  • Contributions: Professor Lee focuses on the intersection of public relations, marketing, and branding. He has published research on effective communication strategies in advertising and brand management.

10. Professor Kim Ji-Soo (김지수)

  • Field: Music
  • Specialization: Composition and Music Theory
  • Contributions: Professor Kim is a noted composer and educator in the field of music. He focuses on contemporary composition techniques and has produced works that are performed both nationally and internationally.

As of now, Hongik University does not have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni. While it is known for its outstanding contributions to fields such as art, design, and architecture, it has not produced any recipients of the Nobel Prize.

Context on Nobel Prize and South Korean Institutions

In South Korea, Nobel Prize winners are more commonly associated with other universities, particularly those with a stronger focus on scientific research, such as Seoul National University and KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology).

While Hongik University has a prominent reputation in creative fields, particularly in art and design, it has not been a significant contributor to Nobel-winning research or achievements. The university’s strengths lie in fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural impact rather than in the scientific fields typically associated with the Nobel Prize.

The educational goal of Hongik University is to forge the strongest possible link between academia and industry to provide service for the benefit of all humankind. The name "Hongik", translated into English, literally means "service to mankind." The University thus prepares students for varied careers. In pursuing this goal, students are first encouraged to foster independent thinking, free from the influence of others. Intellectual independence is thus our first educational objective. Our second objective is the development of students' creativity. Creativity is vital for individual betterment during one's lifetime, and it is this creative ability that Hongik strives to cultivate in its students. While each individual may live independently, society also requires that individuals live in harmony with fellow human beings. People always learn from the knowledge and experience of others. Hongik University enables students to live in a community where human interaction is essential. This cooperative skill, our second objective, will lead our students to work together for the betterment of humankind. The third academic objective is the development of students' creativity. Creativity is vital in seeking individual happiness during one's lifetime, and it is this creative ability that Hong-Ik strives to bestow to its students. 

Hongik University is renowned primarily for its excellence in art and design, but it also holds a strong reputation across various disciplines. Several factors contribute to the university’s fame, making it one of the most sought-after institutions in South Korea:

1. Top-Ranked Art and Design Programs

  • Hongik University is widely recognized as one of the top art and design schools in South Korea and Asia. It is often compared to prestigious art institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or Central Saint Martins in terms of its creative influence.
  • The College of Fine Arts and the School of Design and Visual Communication consistently rank highly in global and national rankings. Graduates from Hongik’s design programs are known for their innovation and often go on to lead successful careers in the global art, design, and entertainment industries.
  • Hongdae (Hongik University Street), the area around the university, has become a cultural hub in Seoul, known for its vibrant art scene, street performances, galleries, and creative atmosphere, further cementing Hongik’s reputation as a center of creativity.

2. Strong Alumni Network in Creative Industries

  • Many successful artists, designers, animators, and filmmakers in South Korea and internationally are alumni of Hongik University. Its alumni have made significant contributions to various creative industries, particularly in K-pop, K-drama, animation, fashion, and game design.
  • Notable alumni include some of the top contemporary artists, such as Chun Kwang Young and Kim Jung Gi, whose works are acclaimed worldwide.

3. Cutting-Edge Programs in Digital Media and Animation

  • In addition to traditional art and design, Hongik University excels in digital media, animation, and game design. These programs are designed to meet the demands of Korea's booming entertainment and tech industries, making Hongik a top choice for students interested in digital content creation and visual effects.
  • The university’s Animation and Game Design programs are highly respected, with graduates finding success in companies like Naver, Kakao Games, and Nexon, as well as in animation studios like Studio Mir (known for works like The Legend of Korra).

4. Prominent Architecture and Engineering Programs

  • Hongik’s architecture program is one of the best in South Korea, known for its focus on modern and sustainable architecture. The program’s integration of art and engineering principles prepares students for careers in designing urban spaces and structures.
  • Hongik’s engineering programs, especially in mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering, have also gained a solid reputation, though they are somewhat overshadowed by the university’s art and design fame.

5. Influence on South Korea’s Urban Culture

  • The Hongdae area, which surrounds the university, has become synonymous with youth culture and artistic expression in Seoul. The area is famous for its indie music scene, street art, fashion, and nightlife, drawing both locals and international visitors. As a result, Hongik University has a direct influence on contemporary urban culture in South Korea.
  • The university plays a key role in fostering this creative environment, with its students often at the forefront of cultural trends, whether in fashion, music, or visual arts.

6. Collaboration with Industries

  • Hongik University maintains close ties with South Korea’s creative and industrial sectors, facilitating internships and job placements for its students. Many of the university’s programs, particularly in industrial design and engineering, are developed in collaboration with leading companies, ensuring that students are trained in real-world skills that are highly valued in the job market.
  • This collaboration also extends to media and entertainment companies, where Hongik graduates often find careers in film production, advertising, and digital media.

7. Focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship

  • Hongik promotes entrepreneurship, particularly in the creative industries. Many of its students and alumni have gone on to establish successful startups in the fields of design, technology, and media. The university encourages this through various innovation labs, incubators, and entrepreneurship programs.

8. International Recognition and Partnerships

  • While it is best known in South Korea and Asia, Hongik’s art and design programs are gaining increasing recognition internationally. The university regularly collaborates with prestigious foreign universities, participates in global exhibitions, and hosts international exchange programs, further enhancing its global presence.
  • Hongik also attracts international students, particularly to its global design programs, and offers courses taught in English.