The Korea Times University Rankings is designed to help international students identify Korea's most globally competitive universities, with over 60 percent of the evaluation dedicated to internationalization — including global learning environments and international student experiences. Serving as a trusted guide, the rankings support international students in making confident, informed choices about studying in Korea.
MethodologyPrivate / Seoul
Founded in 1905, Korea University is one of Korea’s leading private comprehensive universities, guided by the educational ideals of Truth, Freedom and Justice. It provides outstanding education and research across all academic fields, including the humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and medicine, and is committed to nurturing globally competitive students.
149.52 / 200
National / Seoul
Established in 1946, Seoul National University is Korea’s premier national university. It has led the development of academic research and higher education, offering excellence in education and research from fundamental disciplines to advanced scientific fields, with the goal of cultivating graduates who contribute to society and the nation.
142.22 / 200

Private / Seoul
Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is one of Korea’s leading private universities. Based on Christian values, it pursues the ideals of truth and freedom and is internationally recognized for its excellence in education, research and medical services.
140.74 / 200
Private / Seoul
Tracing its origins back to Sungkyunkwan confucian academy established in 1398, Sungkyunkwan University is the oldest institute of higher education in Korea. It integrates Confucian humanism with modern scholarship and leads future society through global industry-academic cooperation and research-oriented education.
135.87 / 200
Private / Seoul
Founded in 1939, Hanyang University is a private comprehensive university guided by the educational philosophy of “Love in Action.” It is particularly strong in engineering and applied sciences and has made significant contributions to industrial development.
126.83 / 200
Private / Seoul
Established in 1960, Sogang University is a private Jesuit university dedicated to cultivating individuals who combine humanistic insight with professional expertise. It is highly regarded for its small class sizes and research-oriented academic culture.
117.45 / 200
Private / Seoul
Established in 1940, Sejong University aims to cultivate creative and innovative graduates. It operates specialized education programs in hospitality and tourism, software and artificial intelligence.
112.81 / 200

Private / Seoul
Founded in 1886, Ewha Womans University is Korea’s first institution of higher education for women. As the largest women’s university in the country, it fosters global female leaders based on academic excellence and social responsibility.
112.36 / 200
Private / Seoul
Established in 1949, Kyung Hee University is a private comprehensive university guided by the philosophy of “Scholarship and Peace.” It offers specialized education in fields such as humanities, international studies, medicine and traditional Korean medicine.
112.21 / 200
Private / Seoul
Founded in 1906, Dongguk University is a Buddhist-affiliated comprehensive university that emphasizes education rooted in wisdom and compassion. It is well known for its strengths in humanities, cultural contents and Buddhist studies.
107.11 / 200
National / Seoul
The University of Seoul is a public comprehensive university founded and supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Emphasizing public service and practicality, it specializes in education and research in public sectors such as urban science, public administration and environmental studies.
106.24 / 200
Private / Seoul
Established in 1916, Chung-Ang University is a private comprehensive university founded on the principle of “Living in Truth and Dying for Justice.” It demonstrates strong educational and research achievements in arts and culture, social sciences and advanced sciences.
104.79 / 200
Private / Gyeonggi
Founded in 1973, Ajou University is a private comprehensive university emphasizing practical education and internationalization. It offers competitive education and research in engineering, IT and medicine.
104.18 / 200
Private / Incheon
Established in 1954, Inha University is known for its strengths in engineering and natural sciences. It has contributed significantly to industrial development and the training of national technical professionals.
102.93 / 200
National / Busan
Established in 1946, Pusan National University is a flagship national university representing the Busan, Ulsan and south Gyeongsang province region. It contributes to regional and national development through education and research.
102.28 / 200
Private / Gyeonggi
The ERICA Campus of Hanyang University is a specialized industry, academic cooperation campus that strengthens practice-oriented education linked to industry. It leads innovative education models focused on research and entrepreneurship.
98.62 / 200

Private / Seoul
Founded in 1946, Konkuk University emphasizes practical studies and strong links with industry. It is particularly recognized for its strengths in life sciences, real estate studies and veterinary medicine.
98.02 / 200
National / Daegu
Founded in 1946, Kyungpook National University is a leading national university that has contributed to regional and national development. It possesses strong research capabilities in basic sciences, engineering and medicine.
95.32 / 200
National / Incheon
Incheon National University is a national university representing Incheon Metropolitan City. It aims to be a global university connecting the region and the world, with specializations in urban science and international trade.
94.87 / 200
Private / Daejeon
Woosong University emphasizes practice-oriented education and has established a global educational environment. It is well known for its specialization in culinary arts, hospitality, railway systems and IT.
94.52 / 200