The university strives to deliver competitive, globally oriented education that cultivates outstanding talent committed to contributing to both the nation and humanity, thereby advancing societal development and shaping a better future.
The Korea Choongang Education FoundationThe Korea Choongang Education Foundation was established by Mr. Kim Seong-su, known by his pen name Inchon, during a challenging era when Korea was under Japanese colonial rule.
Motivated by the unwavering goal of “education for national salvation,” which aims to realize the nation’s independence and foster national progress through the development of talented individuals, the founder established the Choongang Education Foundation in 1929.
This foundation served as the precursor to the Korea Choongang Education Foundation. Following Korea’s liberation, the foundation was renamed the Korea Choongang Education Foundation, a title it continues to hold today.
The Korea Choongang Education Foundation has steadfastly pursued its founding mission of serving the nation and its people through education.
By fostering and educating countless talented individuals across its affiliated institutions, the foundation has consistently contributed to national progress and societal development.
At every critical juncture in Korea’s history, these nurtured individuals have actively shaped the nation’s future.
It embodies self-discipline through purity and humility, preserving one’s character with modesty and restraint.
Among the four virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, in (benevolence) is considered the highest and most fundamental because of these qualities.
Inchon adopted the pen name “Inchon (仁村)” upon the recommendation of Seokjae Seo Byung-o,inspired by his humble, magnanimous spirit and compassionate nature.
The independence of the colonized homeland, Inchon Kim Seong-su firmly believed, begins with genuine education. Upon his return from studies in Japan in 1914, he developed a profound understanding of the critical role private education plays in national development. After returning from Japan, he collaborated with friends he had met during his studies, including Choi Nam-seon (1890–1957) and An Jae-hong (1892–1965). In the spring of 1915, they formulated plans to establish a private school named Baeksan School.
However, this initial effort was blocked by the Japanese Government-General of Korea.During this challenging period, Choongang School, facing financial difficulties, offered him the opportunity to take over its management.
Motivated by his commitment to awaken the national spirit among young people, Kim Seong-su accepted the offer and assumed control of Choongang School in April 1915.
After taking over Choongang School, Kim Seong-su implemented modern management techniques that transformed the school into a modern and efficient institution.He personally taught English and economics and was officially appointed principal in 1917.Thanks to his dedicated efforts, Choongang School developed into a distinguished private institution. It became especially recognized as a vital center for national education by providing instruction in the Korean language and fostering nationalist ideals. This significance is clearly demonstrated by the pivotal role played by Choongang School during the March First Independence Movement.
Kim Seong-su recognized that higher education was just as essential as secondary education.Witnessing the plight of talented youth forced to forgo higher education or study abroad due to colonial constraints, he considered this a national loss. In June 1932, he acquired Boseong Professional School, which was struggling financially.
Drawing inspiration from his travels to leading universities in Europe and the United States, he introduced their advanced educational systems and structures to Boseong Professional School. Until Korea’s liberation, Kim devoted great care and dedication to the school’s development.
Thanks to Kim Seong-su's dedicated efforts, Boseong Professional School experienced steady growth, nurturing numerous talented individuals while preserving the national spirit amidst Japanese colonial oppression.
In 1946, Boseong Professional School was elevated to Korea University, a comprehensive institution that continues to uphold its esteemed reputation as one of Korea’s leading universities.