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Dankook University, abbreviated as DU or DKU, is a private research university in South Korea. The university was established in 1947. It was the first university established after the National Liberation Day of Korea, and its original location was in Jongno District and Yongsan District, Seoul. We have spread out our wings to soar as Korea's leading university in the world. We will make investments in education innovation to meet the changing demands of the future and take on endless challenges. At the same time, we will continue to uphold character, intelligence, talent, and social services. We will not forget the spirit behind our university's founding in 1947 and march forward the path of proper education to strengthen our nation and contribute to the next generations to come. The founding philosophy of Dankook University – National Salvation, Independence, and Self-Reliance – originates from the personal ideals which our founders Mr. Beomjeong, Chang Hyong, and Mrs. Hyedang, Cho Huijae, had cultivated in themselves through turbulent times in Korean history. They had personally experienced the sorrow of losing their country under Japanese rule and eventually were convinced that independence could only be achieved through educating talented and patriotic individuals. The two founders realized that the educated had to use their abilities, not for personal gain but for the nation as a whole, driven by a sense of national identity and historical/social truth. Indeed, they believed it was Dankook University's duty to train such enlightened individuals. In addition to such ideals, Dankook University cherishes truth and service as its guiding principles. We believe that the purpose of research and study lies beyond simply acquiring tools for sustenance – the ultimate purpose of higher learning is to enrich human knowledge and culture. Principally, scholars are obligated to return such knowledge to society and contribute to historical advancement. They must seek to develop sharp, critical minds and a righteous moral character by voluntarily participating in the betterment of society as a whole; one embodies the path Dankook wishes to set forth. The unwavering devotion towards realizing such duties of higher education and patriotism has led to Dankook University's existence in its current form. The foundational spirit of our university lies with our founders' love for their nation and its people. Following the will of Mr. Beomjeong, who devoted himself to national independence, and that of Mr. Ki-hong Park, who financially supported such efforts, Mrs. Hyedang put such patriotism and cultural affection at the heart of our university's founding. Many patriots who led the independence movement believed that it was paramount to protect and preserve our national and cultural legitimacy. At the center of that legitimacy lay the humanitarian principles of Dangun, the founder of the first Korean kingdom. Mr. Beomjeong also put in great effort to keep the ideals of Korea's native religion, Daejonggyo, alive, more from his conviction towards preserving our cultural heritage than for religious reasons. Although independence was eventually achieved, Mr. Beomjeong – having experienced firsthand the tragedy of a nation split in half – realized the necessity of educating the values of a Korean identity to younger generations and named his newly established university "Dankook" to signify its roots in the Dangun legacy. He emphasized national salvation, independence, and self-reliance as methods of realizing these ideals. He believed men and women needed to be able to act with patriotic conviction and independence. "Truth and Service" was established as our motto to embody the spirit of our founding philosophy – National Salvation, Independence, and Self-Reliance – in our education. It signifies that our institution aims to educate individuals who cherish truth and serve their community, nation, and humanity in general. "Truth" is a spiritual indicator, while "Service" is a behavioral one. Our goal of "educating patriotic experts who contribute to mankind" was established to embody our foundational ideals of National Salvation, Independence, and Self-Reliance. We aim to Cultivate the spirit of human respect. Encourage and apply creativity. Nurture practical capabilities. View full university