Daegu Catholic University ( DCU, previously named Catholic University of Daegu) is a private research university in Daegu, South Korea. DCU is known for its academic strength, especially in the field of medical, pharmacy, health science, psychology, social science, and education. One of the most prestigious universities in South Korea, students are mostly top 10% of their graduating class. History The St. Justin Seminary, from which the university claims descent, opened in Daegu on November 1, 1914, having been founded in May of that year. The first four rectors of the school were French missionaries, the first being a Fr. Chargeboeuf, also known by his Korean name Song Duck-mang (송덕망). The first Korean rector, Fr. Choi Min-sun (최민순), who took up the post in 1945, was also the last rector of the seminary, which closed due to the turbulent events of that year, sending most of its students home in May but remaining open until December to allow the final class of 4 to graduate. In 1952, the Hyosung Women's Junior College (효성여자초급대학) was established, offering instruction to 150 students in the fields of music, literature, and home economics. The following year, it became a four-year college, also offering instruction in pharmacology. The college continued to expand steadily in the following years, establishing its graduate school in 1972 and gaining university status in 1980. International relations Daegu Catholic University maintains international relations with 290 universities & Colleges & Institutions in 39 countries: The ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS) programme member SEAMEO RIHED IFCU member International Federation of Catholic Universities ASEACCU member The Association of South East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities Australia Australian Catholic University Canada The University of Alberta China China National Academy of Fine Art China Sichuan Normal University ChongQing University of Arts and Sciences Guangdong University of Foreign Studies Guizhou Normal University Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jilin University Luoyang Normal University Nanjing Normal University Shandong Economic University Shandong University The Central University of Nationalities Jiangxi Normal University Yanbian University Zibo Vocational Institute France Université Catholique de Lille Germany Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg Hungary Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music Indonesia Universitas Nasional Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University Atma Jaya Indonesia Catholic University, Jakarta State University of Malang Indonesia International Institute for Life Science Italy Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera Conservatorio di Musica S. Cecilia di Roma Conservatorio Statale di Musica "Giuseppe Verdi" Lorenzo de' Medici School Pontificio