Hoseo University and Nazarene University to Merge... First Among Private Universities

If Integrated, Ranks Fifth Largest Among Private Universities Nationwide Excluding Seoul

From the bottom left: Kang Ilgu, President of Hoseo University; Lee Sundong, Chairman of Hoseo Academy; Shin Mingyu, Chairman of Nasaret Academy; Kim Kyungsoo, President of Nasaret University

Hoseo University and Konyang University of Nazarene announced on the 24th that, for the first time among private universities, they have agreed to integrate their school foundations and universities.

On this day, they made this announcement through a memorandum of understanding at the Memorial Hall of the Central Library on the Hoseo University Asan Campus.

Lee Soondong, Chairman of the Hoseo Foundation, stated, "This is an important opportunity to create synergy based on the traditions and values of both foundations and universities," adding, "Students will have broader learning opportunities, and professors will create new models through collaboration."

Kang Ilgu, President of Hoseo University, also emphasized, "This is not just simple cooperation but the first step toward opening new horizons in future university education," and added, "As this is an unprecedented integration between private universities, I hope that by exchanging trust and leveraging each institution's strengths, we can become a milestone in higher education."

Shin Mingyu, Chairman of the Nazarene Foundation, commented, "It is said that a Belgian draft horse can pull about 8,000 pounds alone, but two together can move over 20,000 pounds," and expressed his expectations, saying, "Likewise, if both universities unite with a big goal, we can achieve unimaginable results."

Kim Kyungsoo, President of Konyang University of Nazarene, also remarked, "While there will be mechanical advancements in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the most important thing is people," and urged, "I hope we can lead a new educational culture in Korea through collaboration that considers people and prepares for future generations."

The two universities plan to discuss matters such as ▲the timing of integration ▲admission quotas ▲department mergers and closures ▲criteria for faculty and staff treatment, among others.

If the two universities are integrated, they will operate a total of six campuses: five from Hoseo University (Cheonan, Asan, Seoul, Dangjin, KTX) and one from Konyang University of Nazarene (Ssangyong-dong, Cheonan). This would rank among the top five largest private universities in the country, excluding those in Seoul.

As of the 2025 academic year, the combined admission quota would reach 4,072 students, with 2,881 from Hoseo University and 1,191 from Konyang University of Nazarene.

Both universities share the commonality of being Protestant mission schools.