Management, a Civilization-Historical Reflection on 120 Years of Management Education 

To commemorate its 120th anniversary, Korea University Business School has published The Path of Management: A Civilization-Historical Reflection on 120 Years of Korea University Business School. The book presents a comprehensive history of business education in Korea, tracing its origins to the establishment of the Department of Commerce at Bosung College in 1905 and chronicling its growth into today’s world-class business school. It offers a new perspective that interprets the path of management as the path of civilization. 

The author, Professor Cho Youngheon of Korea University’s Department of History Education, was inspired by the fact that two events coincided in 1905—the abolition of China’s imperial examination system and the establishment of the business school. He sought to explore the meaning of this historical turning point, showing that seemingly coincidental events can become catalysts for transformative change. The 120th Anniversary Project Committee of the Business School undertook the review process, ensuring the objectivity and factual accuracy of the narrative. 

The book is structured around three themes: Civilization, Continuity, and Concept. From a civilizational perspective, it emphasizes that the period when the business school was founded 120 years ago was also a time of profound civilizational transformation. The abolition of China’s imperial examination system, Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War, and the signing of the Eulsa Treaty by the Korean Empire are cited as examples. From the perspective of continuity, it highlights how management became a driving force in Korea’s economic development—producing educated talent, spreading entrepreneurship, fostering industrial growth, and even contributing to the advancement of Korean sports. From a conceptual perspective, it explores the evolution and usage of management-related terminology through classical texts and modern interpretations, reflecting on the essence and significance of the discipline. 

This book goes beyond a mere chronological record to trace the path that Korea University Business School has taken within the civilizational context of Korea’s social, industrial, and economic transformation throughout its modern history. It follows major turning points—including the colonial era and subsequent wars, industrialization and democratization, globalization, and digital transformation—illustrating how the Business School responded to the demands of each era, generated new knowledge, and cultivated talent. Each period integrates discussions of academic progress and educational reform, thereby clarifying the School’s role in Korea’s modernization and industrialization. 

A vast array of historical materials and archives were utilized in the making of the book. The materials include early school magazines and lecture notes, records of professors and students, graduation albums from the 1930s, and donated items from industry figures, as well as detailed timelines that trace the evolution of Korea University Business School. 

However, the book does not stop at chronicling past achievements. In its final section, it presents KUBS’s vision for the next 60—and ultimately 120—years. Centered on future key agendas such as ESG, digital transformation, and startups, it offers a blueprint for how the school seeks to advance into the future. 

The Path of Management: A Civilization-Historical Reflection on 120 Years of Korea University Business School is both an academic record and a shared memory for alumni and current students. Standing at the juncture between reflection on the past and preparation for the next 120 years, the publication reaffirms the identity of Korea University Business School as a pioneer in Korean business education. At the same time, it underscores that management is an essential endeavor dedicated to preserving and enhancing human life.