Course General Description

The Department of Fine Arts aims to train enterprising artists capable of leading the future world of art by actively addressing the challenges of contemporary visual culture with the modern day competencies demanded of artists. Students learn the ability to manage various media and techniques, such as painting, sculpture, new media, ceramics and glass, beyond the boundaries of conventional artistic genres. Moreover, students can pursue the image of experimental and enterprising artists who broaden the scope of new possibilities of art based on insights and a clear awareness of social and cultural issues and trends. Fostering the Ability to Actively Respond to the Contemporary Art Trend of Hybrid and Post-Genre — Students study the materials and techniques used in various media through a curriculum that emphasizes open-mindedness, experimental spirit and liberal mind. In addition to a thorough grounding in general art education through exploring the depth of emotions as captured in specific media, the curriculum uniquely focuses on effective communication through discussions and presentations. Avoiding Standardization by Specific Ideologies or Trends — Students are encouraged to create their own creative and unique worlds of art by flexibly embracing multiple trends found in contemporary art, as well as exploring the motivations present in other artistic genres. Implementing a Practical Form of Theoretical Education — By incorporating the display of artworks within practical education that had previously focused solely on creation, students can actively explore the issues of artistic acceptance and reception, as well as the issues of exhibition space and audience.

School General Description

Korea National University of Arts was established by law in 1993. In 1990, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Korea announced a 'Ten-Year Project for the Cultural Development,' and the foundation of a national arts institution was the crucial provision of this project. Until the early 1980s, in Korea, there was no specialised university that devoted its entire curriculum to artistic endeavours. Therefore, many budding artists who wanted to continue their artistic search through professional trainings went abroad. The announcement of the foundation of the national university of arts in 1993 was thus the revelation and manifestation of artistic prosperity in Korea. It is the only national university in Asia dedicated exclusively to preparing talented young artists for the professions of all artistic genres.[citation needed] Korea National University of Arts encompasses all disciplines of arts including music, dance, theatre, film, TV, animation, fine art, design, architecture, and Korean traditional arts. The university consists of six independent but correlative schools: the School of Music, the School of Drama, the School of Film, TV & Multimedia, the School of Dance, the School of Visual Arts, and the School of Korean Traditional Arts. K-ARTS offers bachelor's and master's degree program while providing pre-school training program for promising young students. As of 2003, students enrolled in K-ARTS are about 2600, and more than 730 professors and lecturers are teaching in the newest studios and classrooms.