About BUFS
Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS) was founded by the late President Tae Sung JUNG based on a Christian value whose core philosophy is reflected in the book of Proverbs 1:7, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. He believed in the potential power of education, cultivating befitting individuals to compete in a fast changing global environment. A young butterfly once drab and earthbound as a caterpillar, breaks out of its cocoon and soars upward into a blue sky of hope. Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly with beautifully colored wings, education has a transformative power if it’s combined with proper guidance, positive reinforcement, and willpower.
BUFS started off as a small private college and became a comprehensive university in 1982. We moved to our current new campus in 2014, well cuddled on the ridge of Mt. Geumjeong-san, Busan surrounded by lush forest and panoramic views, and, more importantly, warm-hearted people.
Currently there are 58 departments spread out in 5 colleges, and the total number of student population including both degree and non-degree seeking students combined is around 9,000, and the presence of the international students stands at around 1,200 as of 2019. With a recent launch of the Global Campus Initiative, we are aiming for increasing the number of international students up to 2,000 students over the coming years. Not only quantitative increase in number of students, but making sure that students receive quality education conducive to fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, intercultural communication skills, and not to mention linguistic competency because linguistic skills serves as a tool for receiving knowledge and disseminating information.
Every year some 450∼500 students take part in the study abroad program including the Semester Abroad Program (SAP), whose primary focus is on improving language skills, and the Student Overseas Experience (SOX) such as 3+1, 7+1, etc. We encourage students to take part in these programs out of their comfort zone, away from their familiar cultural arena.
Our staff members play a crucial role in facilitating students to study at the target regions worldwide. They are multinational, assigned with target regions in accordance with their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Their work ranges from visa application, course registration counseling, addressing grievances and complaints and rendering services when needed. We have seen some changes in demographics in the international students in terms of nationality lately. Riding on the crest of the K-pop culture, and “Halryu”, or the Korea wave, coupled with an ascendency of the stature of Korea internationally, the number of universities overseas opening up Korea studies program is on the rise, as well as international students wishing to study in Korea as part of student exchange program. We hope you find BUFS as your home away from home, and to that end we are inspired by the challenges ahead as we endeavor to meet the evolving academic needs of the students and to keep abreast of the educational trend.