A Decade of Milestones
Over the past decade, Mason Korea has witnessed a series of accomplishments and substantial growth. Below are some of the key highlights.
2014
George Mason University Korea opens its doors at the Incheon Global Campus in Songdo on March 3, 2014, introducing bachelor's degree programs in Business and Economics.
2015
Mason Korea launches the Global Affairs, BA program, marking the program’s first year and welcoming its inaugural cohort.
The Mason Cares Program embodies Mason's commitment to community engagement, creating a positive impact on the Incheon Community through initiatives such as home construction, beach cleaning, mentoring programs for multicultural families, winter coal briquette delivery, and more.
Emphasizing student engagement, Mason Korea offers diverse leadership opportunities such as the Student Government, formerly known as the Student Council. This body advocates for student interests and aims to enhance the quality of student life at Mason Korea.
2016
Mason Korea relocates to its dedicated building from the IGC Multicomplex Building. This transition brings about an enhanced learning environment, cutting-edge facilities, and a modern campus setting, enriching the educational experience for students and the entire Mason Korea community.
2017
Mason Korea introduces the Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CONF) BA/BS program, welcoming its first cohort.
Mason Korea hosts its first graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the lives of its students. Dedicated to cultivating global leaders, Mason Korea boasts an overall employment rate of over 80%, with graduates contributing on national and international stages.
2018
Mason’s mascot, the Patriot, receives a special invitation to the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Many students from Mason Korea participate as volunteers and interpreters, and Global Affairs professor Soyoung Kwon serves on the International Olympic Committee. These efforts underscore Mason Korea's role as a global platform supporting and participating in international events hosted in Korea.
Mason Korea introduces its Computer Game Design, BFA program, providing students with comprehensive skills in design and programming. The program's success leads to valuable partnerships with industry leaders such as NCSoft, and the creation of the Progress@Play Digital Art Competition from 2021 onwards.
2019
The Schar School’s Center for Security Policy Studies (CSPS) at George Mason University expands its presence with a new branch at Mason Korea. Led by Mason Korea Global Affairs professor Soyoung Kwon, CSPS-Korea serves as a platform for research and policy discussions on international security issues, promoting collaboration between the US and Asia.
The Peace and Conflict Studies Center Asia (PACSC Asia) opened at Mason Korea, focusing on interdisciplinary research and practice related to peace and conflict in Asia. Led by Mason Korea Conflict Analysis and Resolution professor Roland Wilson, PACSC Asia connects scholars, practitioners, and researchers worldwide to advance the understanding of peace and conflict through multidisciplinary approaches.
Mason Korea unveils its own George Mason statue, mirroring the iconic Fairfax campus monument. The statue pays homage to George Mason, a founding father who played a key role in drafting the Virginia Declaration of Rights, influencing the US Bill of Rights. The 2021 addition of the Enslaved People of George Mason Memorial on the Fairfax campus further honors the memory of individuals enslaved by Mason, illustrating Mason’s contradictory legacy.
2020
Spring 2020 marks the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, Mason Korea navigates two years of online and hybrid classes and hosting numerous online events.
2021
Mason Korea introduces the Computational and Data Sciences, BS, program, welcoming its first cohort of students.
2022
Mason Korea partners with the Incheon government and universities at the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) to launch a Global Campus program for the newly established Incheon Citizen Life College, which offers free non-credit courses, taught by Mason Korea professors, to Incheon citizens. The program advances Mason Korea’s aim to contribute to its community.
Mason Korea offers its first Executive Education Program for KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation), providing specialized training and education to professionals in the energy sector.
Mason Korea celebrates the launch of the Industry-University Collaboration Foundation (IUCF). Led by Shannon Davis, Mason Korea’s Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs, the Foundation advances Mason Korea’s role as an active research and civic engagement campus alongside George Mason’s US campuses, contributing to both the local community and wider Korea.
2023
Mason Korea holds its Celebration of Achievement every semester to recognize the academic and extracurricular achievements of students.
Mason Day, George Mason University’s longest running tradition, comes alive with the dynamic spirit of the university community. The event features student and guest performers, games, and activities that collectively celebrate the culture and accomplishments of Mason. True to the "One Mason" spirit, Mason Korea has celebrated Mason Day every spring since 2014.
2024
As we celebrate ten years of growth, Mason Korea looks ahead to fulfilling George Mason University’s vision of creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. We dedicate ourselves to serving our communities, educating the next generation of global leaders, and creating a positive impact locally and globally.