Dankook University (commonly referred to as Dankook), abbreviated as DU or DKU, is a prestigious private research university in Yongin and Cheonan, South Korea. The university was established in 1947. It was the first university established after the National Liberation Day of Korea, and its original location was in Jongno District and Yongsan District (after Jongno), Seoul. Dankook University was ranked 148th in Asia by QS Asian Universities Ranking in 2010. Academics Dankook University has a global affiliate network of universities and institutes. Study abroad programs at sister universities allow students to improve their language skills. Dankook University gives financial support and several academic credits. Short-term visiting programs provide faculty, staff and students with opportunities to expose themselves to global standards. International summer/winter schools are designed to welcome students from sister universities and non-affiliated institutions. Global Talent Network is a student organization that consists of Korean and international students. It seeks to promote mutual cooperation. There is an extension campus in Cheonan, a city in South Chungcheong province. The Cheonan campus includes the largest hospital in the region and one of Korea's top dental programs, as well as the only four-year Mongolian Language and Literature Department in Korea. The university hosts a student body of about 20,000 and employs an instructional faculty of about 630. Global Dankook and mascot Dankook University's mascot is the bear. Each campus has a bronze bear statue. As mentioned above, Dankook University was the first private university established after Korea gained independence in 1947. The university now features 20 undergraduate colleges and 10 professional graduate schools divided between its new Jukjeon campus, constructed in 2007, and its Cheonan campus. Both campuses have international exchange programs and are home to foreign students and faculty from countries such as the United States, China and the United Kingdom. The international presence at Dankook continues to grow thanks to its collaborative relationships with more than 90 universities from 30 countries, including Stockholm University in Sweden; California State University and Ohio Northern University in the USA; and La Trobe University in Australia. These relationships have fostered international summer schools programs, student exchanges, and short-term visits. History The foundation of Dankook University was approved on November 1, 1947, its opening taking place at Nakwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on November 3. In 1967 the Seok Juseon museum opened based on a donation of over 3,000 items by Seok Ju-Seon. The museum curates and