Table of Contents
Introduction
The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is the cradle of naval officers in South Korea. It is a prestigious institution that trains and educates future leaders of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The KNA was established in 1946, shortly after the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule. Since then, it has produced over 10,000 graduates who have served the nation with honor and dedication. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is located in Jinhae, a coastal city in the southeast of the Korean Peninsula.
The campus covers an area of 330,000 square meters and boasts various facilities such as classrooms, dormitories, libraries, museums, sports fields, and a naval base. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) offers a four-year undergraduate program that combines academic, military, and physical education. The KNA also has a graduate school that offers master’s and doctoral degrees in naval science and engineering. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is a member of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) and has academic exchange programs with naval academies worldwide.
This is one of the top military academies in South Korea.
History of The Korea Naval Academy
The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) traces its roots to the Joseon Naval Academy, founded in 1906 by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the legendary naval hero of Korea. The Joseon Naval Academy was the first modern naval school in Korea and trained officers for the Joseon Navy. However, the academy was closed in 1910, when Japan annexed Korea.
During the Japanese occupation, many Korean naval officers joined the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea (PGROK) and fought for the independence of Korea. After the liberation of Korea in 1945, the PGROK established the Naval Affairs Department and the Naval Training Center to rebuild the Korean Navy.
On November 11, 1946, the Naval Training Center was upgraded to the Korea Naval Academy, with the first class of 36 cadets. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) was officially inaugurated on May 15, 1947, with President Syngman Rhee as the honorary superintendent. After the Korean War, the KNA moved to its current location in Jinhae in 1954. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) has undergone several reforms and expansions over the years, such as the establishment of the graduate school in 1978, the admission of female cadets in 1998, and the introduction of the naval ROTC program in 2008.
Admission
Admission to the KNA is highly competitive and selective. Only the best and brightest students passionate about the navy and the nation can enter the Korea Naval Academy (KNA). The admission process consists of three stages: the preliminary screening, the written examination, and the interview. The preliminary screening is based on the applicant’s high school grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and awards. The written examination tests the applicants’ knowledge and aptitude in Korean, English, mathematics, and science.
The interview evaluates the applicants’ personality, leadership, communication skills, and motivation. The applicants must also pass a physical fitness test and a medical examination. The KNA admits about 200 cadets every year, with a male-to-female ratio of 9:1. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) also accepts a small number of foreign cadets from friendly countries, such as the United States, Japan, China, and Vietnam.
The KNA requires a nomination from a member of the National Assembly, the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defense, the Chief of Naval Operations, or the Superintendent of the Korea Naval Academy (KNA). The nomination is a way of ensuring the quality and diversity of the applicants, as well as the support and recognition of society. The applicants can obtain a nomination by contacting the nominators directly or through their high schools. The applicants must submit their nomination letters, application forms, and other documents to the KNA by the deadline.
The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) offers guidance and assistance for prospective cadets who want to apply. The KNA has a website, a blog, a Facebook page, and a YouTube channel that provides information and tips on the admission process, the curriculum, campus life, and career opportunities. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) hosts open house events, online seminars, and counseling sessions for interested students and parents. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) encourages prospective cadets to visit the campus and experience the naval culture and spirit firsthand.
Tuition Fees at The Korea Naval Academy
The KNA is a public institution that the government funds. Therefore, the cadets do not have to pay any tuition fees or other expenses for their education and training. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) provides cadets free accommodation, meals, uniforms, books, and equipment. The KNA also gives the cadets a monthly stipend of about 300,000 won (about 250 USD) for their personal use.
The cadets can use the stipend to buy snacks, toiletries, stationery, and other items at the campus store. The cadets can also save the stipend for their plans, such as traveling, studying abroad, or buying a car.
The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) does not charge tuition fees, but it requires a service obligation from the graduates. The graduates must serve in the ROKN for at least 10 years after graduation. The service obligation is a way of repaying the nation for the investment and support that the KNA provides. The service obligation also ensures the continuity and stability of the naval force and the national security. The graduates who fail to fulfill their service obligation must pay a penalty fee that is equivalent to the cost of their education and training at the Korea Naval Academy (KNA).
Rankings
The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is one of the top-ranked naval academies in the world. The KNA is ranked 7th in the world and 1st in Asia by the IAMU, which evaluates the quality and performance of maritime universities based on academic, research, and social criteria. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is also ranked 4th in the world and 1st in Asia by the Global Firepower Index, which measures countries’ naval power and capability based on quantitative and qualitative factors.
The KNA is also ranked 12th in the world and 2nd in Asia by the QS World University Rankings by Subject, which ranks the universities by their performance and reputation in specific fields of study. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is highly regarded for its excellence and innovation in naval science and engineering, especially in shipbuilding, naval architecture, marine propulsion, underwater acoustics, and naval weapons.
The KNA is not only a leading naval academy but also a prestigious university in Korea. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is ranked 21st in Korea and 501st globally by the QS World University Rankings, which ranks the universities based on academic, employer, and international indicators. The KNA is also ranked 24th in Korea and 601st in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which ranks the universities based on teaching, research, citations, industry income, and international outlook.
The KNA is also ranked 27th in Korea and 701st in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, which ranks the universities based on research output, quality, and impact. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is well-known for its high-quality education and research, as well as its strong alumni network and global partnerships.
Academic Programs
The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) offers a four-year undergraduate program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Science and Engineering. The program consists of three components: general education, major courses, and electives. The general education courses cover the subjects of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and foreign languages. The major courses cover the subjects of naval science, naval engineering, naval tactics, naval strategy, naval history, and naval leadership.
The electives cover the subjects of naval specialties, such as submarine warfare, naval aviation, naval special operations, and naval intelligence. The program also includes practical training, such as sailing, navigation, seamanship, gunnery, damage control, and anti-submarine warfare. The program aims to equip the cadets with the knowledge, skills, and values that are essential for naval officers.
The KNA also offers a graduate program that leads to a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Naval Science and Engineering. The program consists of two components: coursework and research. The coursework covers the subjects of advanced naval science, naval engineering, naval operations, naval management, and naval policy. The research covers the subjects of cutting-edge naval technologies, such as stealth, robotics, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare. The program aims to foster the cadets with the creativity, expertise, and leadership that are necessary for naval innovators.
Campus Life
The campus life at the KNA is challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling. The cadets live in a military-style environment that is designed to instill discipline, teamwork, and loyalty. The cadets follow a strict daily routine that starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. The routine includes academic classes, military drills, physical exercises, inspections, and ceremonies. The cadets also have to abide by the rules and regulations of the Korea Naval Academy (KNA), such as wearing uniforms, saluting seniors, and maintaining order and cleanliness. The cadets are divided into companies, platoons, and squads, and are assigned to different roles and responsibilities, such as leaders, followers, mentors, and mentees. The cadets are evaluated and graded on their academic, military, and physical performance, as well as their conduct and attitude.
The campus life at the KNA is not all work and no play. The cadets also enjoy various extracurricular activities that enrich their personal and professional development. The cadets can join clubs and societies that cater to their interests and hobbies, such as music, art, sports, literature, and culture. The cadets can also participate in events and festivals that
celebrate the spirit and culture of the Navy, such as the Navy Day, the Navy Festival, and the Navy Ball. The cadets can also go on field trips and exchange programs that expose them to naval bases, ships, and academies. The cadets can also have some free time and leisure on weekends and holidays when they can visit their families, friends, or tourist attractions.
The campus life at the Korea Naval Academy (KNA) is not only a preparation for a naval career but also a character transformation. The cadets learn and grow through the challenges and opportunities the KNA offers. The cadets develop the qualities and values essential for naval officers, such as courage, honor, integrity, and patriotism. The cadets also form lifelong friendships and bonds with their fellow cadets, who share the same dreams and aspirations. The cadets also experience the pride and joy of being part of the KNA, a family and a legacy.
Athletics
The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) values physical fitness and athletic excellence as part of the naval education and training. The KNA encourages the cadets to participate in various sports and competitions that enhance their physical and mental health, as well as their teamwork and leadership skills. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) has 16 varsity teams competing in the National Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NIAA), the governing body of collegiate sports in Korea.
The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) varsity teams include baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, swimming, diving, rowing, sailing, taekwondo, judo, fencing, shooting, archery, equestrian, and golf. The KNA varsity teams have won numerous championships and awards in the NIAA and national and international tournaments. The Korea Naval Academy (KNA) varsity teams are also known for their sportsmanship and fair play, as well as their loyalty and camaraderie.
The KNA also has a strong tradition and rivalry with the Korea Military Academy (KMA), which is the counterpart of the Korea Naval Academy (KNA) for the army. The KNA and the KMA have an annual sports competition, called the Naval-Army Games, one of the most anticipated and celebrated events in the military academies. The Naval-Army Games feature 12 sports, such as baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, swimming, rowing, taekwondo, judo, fencing, shooting, and archery. The winner of the Naval-Army Games is awarded the President’s Cup, a symbol of honor and prestige. The Naval-Army Games also foster the friendship and cooperation between the Korean Naval Academy (KNA) and the Korean Military Academy, as well as the Navy and the Army.
Notable Alumni of The Korea Naval Academy
The KNA has produced over 10,000 graduates who have served the nation and the navy with distinction and dedication. The Korean Naval Academy alumni have held various positions and roles in the military, government, academia, industry, and society. The KNA alumni have also contributed to the development and advancement of the naval science and engineering, as well as the naval power and capability. Some of the notable alumni of the Korean Naval Academy are:
- Admiral Sohn Won-yil: He was the first graduate of the KNA and the first Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN. He led the navy during the Korean War and the post-war reconstruction. He is regarded as the father of the modern Korean Navy.
- Admiral Choi Young-hee: He was the 24th Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the Combined Forces Command. He played a key role in the defense and deterrence of the Korean Peninsula, as well as the alliance and cooperation with the United States and other countries.
- Admiral Lee Sun-jin: He was the 27th Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He oversaw the naval operations, reforms, and joint and combined operations and strategies.
- Admiral Kim Sung-chan: He was the 29th Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the United Nations Command. He enhanced the naval readiness and capability, as well as the peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
- Admiral Park Seung-baek was the 30th Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the ROK-US Combined Maritime Forces Commander. He strengthened the naval power and posture, as well as maritime security and cooperation.
- Admiral Ahn Ho-young: He was the 31st Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the ROK-US Combined Fleet. He improved the naval innovation and efficiency, as well as the naval diplomacy and partnership.
- Admiral Choi Yoon-hee: He was the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the ROK-US Combined Naval Forces. He advanced the naval vision and culture, as well as the naval professionalism and ethics.
- Admiral Hwang Ki-chul: He was the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the ROK-US Combined Amphibious Forces. He promoted the naval transformation and integration, as well as the naval education and training.
- Admiral Jung Ho-sub: He was the 34th Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the ROK-US Combined Submarine Forces. He developed the naval strategy and doctrine, as well as the naval intelligence and information.
- Admiral Um Hyun-seong: He was the 35th Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the ROK-US Combined Air Forces. He expanded the naval capability and capacity, as well as the naval operations and exercises.
- Admiral Sim Seung-seob: He was the 36th Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the ROK-US Combined Special Forces. He supported the naval mission and vision, as well as the naval welfare and morale.
- Admiral Lee Ki-sik: He is the current and 37th Chief of Naval Operations of the ROKN and the first Korean to serve as the Commander of the ROK-US Combined Cyber Forces. He leads the navy in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as the naval innovation and digitalization.
Conclusion
The Korea Naval Academy is more than just a school. It is a dream, a challenge, and a destiny. The Korean Naval Academy is a place where the cadets learn and grow, where the graduates serve and lead, and where the alumni inspire and contribute. The KNA is a place where the naval officers are born, where the naval heroes are made, and where the naval legacy is continued. The Korean Naval Academy is a place where the navy and the nation are proud.
