The educational goal of Hongik University is to forge the strongest possible link between academia and industry to provide service for the benefit of all humankind. The name "Hongik", translated into English, literally means "service to mankind." The University thus prepares students for varied careers. In pursuing this goal, students are first encouraged to foster independent thinking, free from the influence of others. Intellectual independence is thus our first educational objective. Our second objective is the development of students' creativity. Creativity is vital for individual betterment during one's lifetime, and it is this creative ability that Hongik strives to cultivate in its students. While each individual may live independently, society also requires that individuals live in harmony with fellow human beings. People always learn from the knowledge and experience of others. Hongik University enables students to live in a community where human interaction is essential. This cooperative skill, our second objective, will lead our students to work together for the betterment of humankind. The third academic objective is the development of students' creativity. Creativity is vital in seeking individual happiness during one's lifetime, and it is this creative ability that Hong-Ik strives to bestow to its students.