The Ministry of Education announced plans to open the era of 300,000 international students by 2027 through the 'Study Korea Project'. In line with the rapidly changing global era, Dankook University (DKU) has plans to launch its international university next year called PRIMUS. The goal is to attract outstanding domestic and international students to the new institution. ‘PRIMUS’ is Latin for first, but in this case, it stands for Pioneer, Righteousness, Imagination, Mission, Unity, and Service. These core values embody DKU’s educational philosophy and vision. The emphasis on a pioneering spirit encourages students to challenge themselves and embrace innovation. The university will also prioritize ethical conduct, a strong sense of purpose, unity, and a commitment to service. The Dankook Herald (DKH) interviewed Choi Ji-young, the Academic Affairs Team Leader of PRIMUS International University, to obtain more detailed information. 

▲ Photo of Dankook University (Photo from Newsis)

How were the departments selected for transfer to PRIMUS International University?

The Global Business Administration Major and Dept. of Moblie Systems Engineering, established in 2012, will be consolidated under PRIMUS to better utilize their English track characteristics. 

In addition, the establishment of a Department of Korean Studies is being promoted to reflect the growing interest in Korean studies internationally and in response to the global demand for education about Korea. The Convergence System Engineering Department has been renamed and restructured to the Department of Biomaterial Convergence Engineering and is dedicated to international students pursuing dual degree programs with DKU’s sister universities. 

The Department of Performing Arts will be opened as a Korean track for international students to reflect the growing interest in the theater and film fields, and it is expected to increase satisfaction and attract international students by providing a curriculum tailored to their level. The Department of Global Basic Education has been established to improve the Korean language proficiency of international students entering Korean track departments. Students will focus on the Korean language curriculum (K-LEAP) for two semesters of their first year and start studying the curriculum of their department in the second year. 

Department	Target	Note
Global Business Administration Major	Domestic and international students	English track
Dept. of Mobile Systems Engineering	Domestic and international students	English track
Department of Biomaterial Convergence Engineering	International students	English track
Department of Korean Studies	International students	English track
Department of Performing Arts	International students	Korean track
Global Basic Education	International students	Korean track

 

▲ Photo of Dankook University (Photo from DKU)

How is the curriculum structured for Korean language education?

Korean language education for 1^st and 2^nd graders is designed to help them develop strong foundational skills in Korean and learn about Korean culture and history. The 3rd and 4th grades offer advanced courses in various areas including politics, society, culture, history, economy, law, and administration in Korea.

Is it possible for international students who are already studying at Dankook University to transfer to PRIMUS International University?

Students currently enrolled in the Global Administration Major, Dept. of Mobile Systems Engineering, and Convergence Systems Engineering Department will remain in their original programs at the university. Students admitted in 2025, will automatically belong to PRIMUS International University.

Do students have to choose a major within PRIMUS after completing the Korean language courses?

Students pursuing Korean-track majors will first complete one year of basic Korean education in the Department of Global Education and then they can advance to Korean-track programs throughout the university, including PRIMUS’s Korean-track program, in the Department of Performing Arts.

What is the student enrollment quota for PRIMUS International University?

Admission quotas are divided into domestic and international students. Domestic quotas are controlled by the Ministry of Education, while there are no limits for international quotas. Within PRIMUS International University, the planned number of Korean students is 40 for the Global Business Administration Major and 30 for the Dept. of Mobile Systems Engineering.

How is PRIMUS International University promoting itself to domestic and international students?

DKU is promoting PRIMUS through a foreign agency and plans to attract foreign students through the active use of social media and the website.

▲ Photo of Humanities Hall (Photo from DKU)

Do you have any messages you would like to convey to international students?

We hope that students considering studying in Korea will find their way to PRIMUS, where they can choose from a variety of English-track degrees in humanities and social sciences, or they can improve their Korean language skills to pursue a Korean-track major. Our comprehensive education will firmly empower you to succeed in your chosen field.

   PRIMUS International University marks a bold step towards DKU’s global leadership. With its curriculum tailored for international students and a commitment to attracting talent, PRIMUS promises to foster a dynamic learning environment and assist DKU in shaping the future of international education.

홍채연, 이은서, 박지혜  dankookherald@gmail.com