Chosun University

What Chosun University does

Chosun University (조선대학교) is Korea's first private university, founded by citizens in 1946 and headquartered on a main campus in Dong-gu, Gwangju (Jeollanam-do). It operates 14 undergraduate colleges and multiple graduate schools spanning humanities, sciences, engineering, IT, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, business, and arts, serving approximately 20,000 enrolled students. Affiliated institutions include Chosun University Hospital (cancer treatment, robotic surgery, radiation therapy with da Vinci Xi and TrueBEAM systems) and Chosun University Dental Hospital, plus a K-12 feeder network of affiliated middle and high schools and a childcare center. The university has been positioned under the 2025 GlocAL University designation with approximately 100 billion KRW in Korean government funding over five years.

The institution generates revenue through four streams: tiered tuition and registration fees (full rate for the first eight semesters, credit-based pricing thereafter); Korean government project funding (GlocAL University, University Innovation Support, medical education innovation S-grade, BK21 research projects); development fund donations from alumni and corporations (including a 1 billion KRW donation from Genesis BBQ Group); and clinical services revenue from the affiliated hospitals. Operations span five office locations: the main Gwangju campus, the planned Hwasun Bio-Campus, and three international hub centers in Vietnam (Hanoi), Mongolia (Darkhan), and China (Wenzhou). Technology infrastructure includes the Cyber Campus online learning platform, integrated portal system, AI Convergence College, and SW-Centered University projects.

Technical differentiation centers on six specialization areas (AI, big data, bio-health/well-aging, future mobility/autonomous driving, smart components and materials, low-carbon green technology) under the BEYOND 2030 vision. Notable proprietary capabilities include the GAIMSat-1 AI mobility satellite, student-developed autonomous racing car technology, and end-to-end autonomous driving AI research. The MBSE international academic journal has been Korea Research Foundation registered since 2023, and the College of Medicine received S-grade funding (33 billion KRW) through August 2026. GTM is sales-led and institutional, relying on admissions processes, graduate school recruitment, international recruitment through overseas hub centers, and direct on-campus employer engagement via the 대학일자리플러스센터 job center.

Name

Chosun University

Legal name

Chosun University (조선대학교)

Website

https://chosun.ac.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Chosun University is Korea's first private university, founded in 1946 in Gwangju. It serves approximately 20,000 students across 14 colleges and operates affiliated teaching hospitals, with revenue from tuition, Korean government designations, donations, and clinical services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Technical Universities with Specialized Engineering Domains (EDAHAEAI)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Private university
• Medical education programs
• Graduate degree programs
• Research university

Headquarters

HQ city

Gwangju

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Registration Fees: Core revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, registration fees, and seasonal semester fees. Tuition varies by college (liberal arts, sciences, engineering, medical, dental, pharmacy). Semester-based billing with differentiated rates per student year and major.
2. National Government Project Funding: Major government-funded projects including 글로컬대학 (GlocAL 30, ~100 billion KRW over 5 years), 대학혁신지원사업 (University Innovation Support, 12.4 billion KRW), RISE (Regional Innovation for Sustainable Education), AI convergence programs, SW-centered university, and various BK21 projects. Also includes hosting government-initiated national research centers and satellite launch programs.
3. Development Fund (발전기금) Donations: Voluntary donations from alumni, corporations, and organizations. Notable recent donations include Genesis BBQ Group Chairman Yoon Hong-geun (1 billion KRW), Dr. Hwang Oh-yeol alumnus (300 million KRW), Class of 1975 (152 million KRW), Gwangju Central Hospital (100 million KRW). Recurring relay donation campaigns for student welfare programs.
4. Healthcare Services (Affiliated Hospitals): Revenue from Chosun University Hospital and Chosun University Dental Hospital providing medical services, including cancer treatment, robotic surgery, radiation therapy, and dental care. Both hospitals serve as clinical training sites for medical and dental students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Chosun University is a comprehensive private university in Gwangju, South Korea, delivering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 14+ colleges (humanities, sciences, engineering, IT, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, business, education, arts, physical education) and 9 graduate schools, with affiliated Chosun University Hospital and Dental Hospital providing teaching and advanced medical services such as robotic surgery and radiation therapy. It also operates the Cyber Campus online learning platform, CSU Job Plus Center for employment support, and government-funded project teams in AI convergence and SW-centered education.

Product overview

Chosun University operates as a comprehensive private university with a multi-tiered portfolio of educational and healthcare products. The core offering is the university itself, encompassing 14 undergraduate colleges and 8 graduate schools across disciplines including humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and arts. The university is supported by two major affiliated hospitals (Chosun University Hospital and Chosun University Dental Hospital) providing medical/dental services and clinical education. Technology-enhanced education is delivered through the 사이버캠퍼스 (Cyber Campus) online platform and the 종합정보시스템/포털시스템 (Portal System) for academic administration. Specialized project teams including AI융합대학사업단 and SW중심대학사업단 drive technology-focused educational initiatives. The 중앙도서관 (Central Library) supports academic research with facilities including the Global Bookscape Lounge for international students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Chosun University Main Campus (조선대학교) — Undergraduate Programs across 14+ Colleges Comprehensive undergraduate degree-granting university offering programs across 14+ colleges including liberal arts, sciences, engineering, IT, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, business, education, arts, and physical education, with approximately 20,000 enrolled students served by direct on-campus delivery in Gwangju.
• Chosun University Graduate Schools (9 graduate schools) Master's and doctoral degree programs across 9 graduate schools (general, future talent convergence, education, business administration, public policy, design, health, clinical pharmacy, industrial technology/venture entrepreneurship) supporting advanced research, academic publishing, and clinical training for Korean and international students.
• Chosun University Hospital (조선대학교병원) Tertiary teaching hospital in Gwangju/Jeonnam offering comprehensive medical services including advanced cancer treatment with da Vinci Xi robotic surgery (700+ surgeries, 70%+ high-difficulty cancer cases), Helisyon 3.1 / TrueBEAM radiation therapy (16,279 patients in 2024, 63% YoY increase), and the first robotic liver transplant donor surgery in Honam/Chungcheong region. Hospital also operates specialized Cancer Center and Robotic Surgery Center.
• Chosun University Dental Hospital (조선대학교 치과병원) Dental teaching hospital in Gwangju offering comprehensive oral healthcare services with multiple departments, including a re-established prevention department reopened in 2024 and the Hope 11 oral health management program; serves as a clinical training site for dental college students. Celebrated its 47th anniversary in 2025.
• CSU Job Plus Center (대학일자리플러스센터) — Career and Employment Services University employment service center operating the CSU Job Festa 직로페스타 career festival, customized employment services, alumni mentorship programs, and direct corporate recruitment for students, including consultation zones with public institutions, large corporations, and regional companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 581 startup companies cultivated, Presidential Commendation for venture entrepreneurship received in 2025
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Genesis BBQ Group (제너시스BBQ)coreOthers · 1 January 2025Genesis BBQ Group Chairman Yoon Hong-geun donated 1 billion KRW to Chosun University's development fund. Represents the company's philosophy of 'self-strengthening without end' (자강불식). Donation to be used for educational/research infrastructure and environment improvement for future talent cultivation.
• Gwangju Central Hospital (광주센트럴병원)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Gwangju Central Hospital Director Kim Seok-won donated 20 million KRW, and Representative Director Go Gil-seok donated 100 million KRW (90 million for GlocAL University, 10 million for 천원의 아침밥 student welfare program). Cumulative donations of 130 million KRW from Director Go. Supports GlocAL University initiatives and student welfare.
• Hwasun County (화순군)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025MOU signed for joint establishment of Hwasun Bio-Campus. Covers collaborative planning and execution of bio-campus, bio-related departments and research institutions, and industry-academia-research-hospital cooperation network. Joint financial support for bio-innovation initiatives.
• Damyang County (담양군)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025MOU signed for dementia prevention and population extinction countermeasures. Covers early dementia screening, public welfare services, elderly welfare policy development, government funding acquisition, and population extinction response programs and research.
• Hyundai Motor Securities (현대차증권) & Haian Comprehensive Architectural Office (주해안종합건축사사무소)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Three-way MOU for improvement of welfare facilities and UBRC (University Benefit and Recreation Center). Includes development and operation of revenue-generating facilities, renovation and remodeling of existing buildings, value-add projects, and joint initiatives.
• Thuyloi University (투이러이대학교, Vietnam)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Three-party MOU signed with Thuyloi University and VTK Hung Yen Industrial Park Co., Ltd. Covers internship-based industry-academia cooperation, AI/big data well-aging introductory courses, and Sejong Hakdang Korean language education. Jointly exploring advanced human resources training roadmap with 1,200+ educational institutions in Hung Yen Province.
• Binh Duong University (빈즈엉대학교, Vietnam)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Bilateral MOU signed establishing second Asia hub center in Vietnam. Center to operate internship programs, AI/big data well-aging introductory courses, and Sejong Hakdang Korean language education with regional industry linkage.
• Mongolia Education-Tourism-Study Association (몽골 교육관광유학협회)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025MOU signed for establishment and operation of Asia (Mongolia) Hub Center in Darkhan, Mongolia. Center to operate preschools with credit recognition, expand Korean language and cultural education, attract talented students, and support employment and settlement through Gwangju company partnerships.
• Wenzhou Woosu School (월수학교, China)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Chosun University Onju Center (온주센터) opened at Wenzhou Woosu School in Zhejiang Province. Serves as hub for Korean language, Korean culture short-term programs, enrollment information sessions, and high school exchange programs for southern China region.
• Local governments, research institutions, and industry (Honam region cluster)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025GlocAL University initiative involves systematic partnerships with Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollanam-do Province, regional hospitals (Chosun University Hospital, Chosun Nursing University, Gwangju Central Hospital, Chonnam National University Hospital), research institutions, and 6 special zones including R&D, bio-medical, marine bio, and cultural education.
• SOONOWA (Global Subsidiary)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Global subsidiary established by Chosun University to localize and disseminate well-aging research, education models, and medical/health technology in Asian markets. Functions as a global platform enabling overseas industry connections, joint research, international internships, and overseas entrepreneurship and employment linkage.
• Kookmin University, Konkuk University, and others (Nuri Rocket 6th launch consortium)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025GAIMSat-1 satellite consortium led by Gwangju Metropolitan City and Chosun University. Selected among 6 institutions including Kookmin University, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and Gwangju Science High School for Nuri Rocket 6th launch.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Keimyung University: Private comprehensive university in Daegu with similar regional positioning, medical school, and affiliated hospital. Comparable in scale (~20,000 students), governance model (school corporation), and emphasis on regional innovation — making it Chosun's closest non-metropolitan private peer.
• Inha University: Private comprehensive research university in Incheon founded with strong industry-academia focus and 14+ colleges including engineering, medicine, and business. Comparable multi-disciplinary structure and urban-adjacent regional positioning.
• Yeungnam University: Private comprehensive university in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang, with similar scale, regional orientation, and 14+ college structure. Comparable governance model and exposure to non-metropolitan demographic trends.
• Soonchunhyang University: Private comprehensive university with strong medical school focus and affiliated Soonchunhyang University Hospital network. Comparable emphasis on healthcare revenue and regional medical hub role.
• Konkuk University: Private comprehensive university in Seoul with strong medical, engineering, and AI programs, and partner in Nuri Rocket 6th launch consortium with Chosun. Comparable scale and BEYOND-class research ambition.
• Ajou University: Private comprehensive university in Suwon with strong engineering, medical school, and industry-academia programs. Comparable emphasis on technology convergence and government-funded research centers.
• Dankook University: Private comprehensive university with medical and dental schools, multiple campuses (Yongin/Cheonan), and significant government research funding. Closely comparable college portfolio and affiliated-hospital model.

Regional players

• Chonnam National University: Public flagship national university headquartered in the same Gwangju region, competing directly for Honam students and research funding. Represents Chosun's most direct regional competitor for talent, faculty, and government grants.

Broad incumbents

• Chung-Ang University: Larger Seoul-based private comprehensive university with broader brand recognition but similar multi-disciplinary portfolio including medicine, engineering, and business. Represents the tier Chosun aspires to reach under BEYOND 2030.
• Hanyang University: Established Seoul-based private comprehensive research university particularly strong in engineering, AI, and autonomous driving research — directly comparable to Chosun's future mobility specialization at a larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCr0vMKw8iI5B1CYvX1ZsamQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/chosununi
• Instagraminstagram.com/chosununiversity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/%EC%A1%B0%EC%84%A0%EB%8C%80%ED%95%99%EA%B5%90

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chosun University