Established in 1946, Kookmin University was the first private university to be founded after Korean independence from Japan started after the Second World War, by the Korean government in exile in Shanghai. The university is located in the Seongbuk-gu district of South Korea’s capital, Seoul. It currently has just over 18,000 students in attendance, of which 2,200 are international students. There are 14 colleges for undergraduate courses including: humanities and area studies; social sciences; law; economics and commerce; business administration; creative engineering; automotive engineering; computer science; sciences and technology; design; art; architecture; physical education and general education. Meanwhile, graduate school courses range over: humanities and social studies; natural science; engineering; arts and physical education and interdisciplinary programmes. Kookmin has numerous affiliated research centres in the fields of humanities and social science, engineering and science, business and arts and design. It has played a particular key role in semiconductor technology and in using radiation to preserve cultural artefacts. There is a widespread study exchange programme operating for Kookmin students to have the opportunity to study at universities in all four corners of the globe. Amenities on site include a library, a gymnasium, a student union, a global centre, playing field and a tennis court. Numerous shops and services are available within easy walking distance of the university and there is the added attraction of the proximity to Bukhsanan National Park. In terms of student activities, Kookmin has 65 student clubs including a lively arts and music scene. For visiting international students there is The Global Peers Program that pairs international exchange students with Korean students and organises activities such as going out to restaurants, music concerts, sports fixtures, cinema visits and many more.