The Department of Art Culture and Image was established in 2005 to respond to the needs of Busan region, which aims to become a city of culture and image; to address the call of the times for convergence between disciplines; and satisfy the rapidly increasing demand for arts and culture.

In a broad sense, the department focuses on human sciences and arts. More specifically, it undertakes research on aesthetics and arts. Aesthetics and arts encompass Korean traditional aesthetics and arts as well as modern theories of the Western world.

Students are encouraged to develop insights and vision based on theoretical knowledge, and also to complete supplementary practical sessions. Students are required to develop their knowledge of aesthetics and arts, their theoretical and field knowledge of image, and their planning capability. Considering the regional characteristics of Busan, the department is focused on film, but it also pursues convergence with other disciplines, as is the current trend in the image industry.

Convergence between disciplines is becoming the norm today, and fine artists are actively pursuing new points of contact with the public. In this situation, the comprehensive study of aesthetics, arts, and image will provide a future path for arts and culture through theory and criticism of arts, while at the same time will enable comprehensive art planning. The department aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in the arts and culture industries, by developing experts in aesthetics, arts, imagery, arts management, and cultural planning.

The department was also selected for the New University for Regional Innovation (NURI) Project for two years starting in 2007, and with the financial support of the government, it has been equipped with basic facilities and operated a wide range of educational programs. The government support has significantly helped the department to lay a basic foundation as a newly-established department. In addition, the department has built a partnership with the graduate program, “Interdisciplinary Program of Art, Culture and image media,” providing students with the opportunity to build human networks with many experts in culture and arts.

One of the strengths of the Department of Arts Culture and Image is the diverse and enriched range of opportunities provided for extracurricular practice and support. Students participate in diverse art practices at clubs specialized in film studies, film production, image studies, aesthetics studies, art history, and image contents. Each club has mentors from graduate programs who offer professional guidance and advice, and the department spares no effort to support club activities, both financially and administratively. The department encourages students to actively participate in diverse arts and cultural events to gain field experience. Students participate in diverse and significant cultural events such as the Pusan International Film Festival, the Asia Film Market, the Busan International Rock Festival, and the fireworks festival held in North and South Jeolla Provinces, North and South Gyeongsang Provinces, and Gangwon Province, as staff or as volunteers to gain field experience in the culture industry.