Chosun University (Hangul: 조선대학교; Hanja: 朝鮮大學校; RR: Joseon Daehakgyo) is one of the oldest private universities in South Korea. Its campus is situated in Gwangju metropolitan city, in southwestern South Korea. Chosun University was founded by the Chosun College Founders' Association. The Association was formed in May 1946, and rapidly gained members throughout Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Jeju provinces. According to the school website, "membership rose to more than 72,000 by the end of 1947." The first classes of the school, then called Kwangju Evening Academy, were held on September 29, 1946. It was renamed Chosun Academy shortly thereafter, and became a college in 1948. It became a university at the beginning of the 1953 school year, at which time the graduate school was also established. (Wiki)