[7] Korea University was established on May 5, 1905, as Bosung College by Lee Yong-Ik, Treasurer of the Royal Household.

As an academic institution of nationalistic origin, it was regarded as a symbol of national pride during the colonial period (1910–1945).

[8] Shortly after Bosung College was established, the "Korea–Japan Protocol" was signed, and Lee Yong-Ik went into exile to lead the resistance movement against Japan.

The financial crisis was overcome when Sohn Byong-Hee, a leader of Chundokyo, a nationalist, religious, and political movement at the time, took over the management of the institution.

At that time, Kim was managing Choong-Ang High School and The Dong-A Ilbo, a daily newspaper.

Construction of the library started in 1935 to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of Bosung College and was completed two years later.

Following the legacy of Bosung Professional School, the predecessor institution was placed under the management of a foundation and relocated to a vast area in Anam-dong, where remarkable facilities were established.

The goal was to create a major cradle for nurturing talented individuals and cultivating national culture.

Upon liberation from the fervent longing for independence from Japan, in the year 4279 by the traditional Korean calendar (1946), Bosung Professional School was reorganized and elevated to Korea University.

In June 1949, Korea University awarded its first bachelor's degree and in September of the same year, the graduate school was established.

[7] In October 1970, Kim Sang-Hyup, professor of political science, was appointed as the sixth president, succeeding Lee Chong-Woo who retired in September of that year.

In addition, the new Central Library, the largest of its kind in South Korea at that time, was opened in March 1978.

The Korea University Lyceum was completed and SK Telecom made a significant contribution in the same month.

Additionally, there are eleven auxiliary facilities, including libraries, a museum, and a press office for public relations.

[21] In general, exhibiting 1% of academic achievement (Korean SAT) is needed to apply for KU regular admission (정시).

[37] In 2003, Korea University Law School students accounted for more than 15% of the nearly 900 people who passed the annual Korean bar examination.

[38] The business programs at Korea University obtained international certification by acquiring Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) certifications in both undergraduate and graduate levels and European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).

It built the Centennial Memorial Samsung Hall, Hwajung Gymnasium, Tiger Plaza, and Hana Square, and also expanded educational and cultural spaces.

[49] It has a historic athletic rivalry with the nearby Yonsei University which dates back to the Japanese occupation era.

[50] Outside KUSF-sanctioned competitions, both institutions also compete in an annual "friendship games" across two days each fall in five team sports – football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey and rugby – a tradition dating back to the 1940s.

Scholarships are awarded to students based on criteria such as matriculation status, school and department affiliation, financial need, academic achievement, grade point average and expected graduation date.

Since 1956, the annual Korea–Yonsei University Friendship Games comprises five events every year: Football, Rugby, Baseball, Basketball, and Ice Hockey.

[61] In 2012, out of the five sports, Korea University won three (baseball, basketball, soccer) and lost two (ice hockey, rugby).

[62] Among the notable alumni of Korea University are prominent lawyers, physicians, engineers, researchers, Olympic athletes, and others who have gained both national and world fame in their respective fields.