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The old picture of Hongik preparation, timed drawing for a practical exam, no longer matches Hongik’s Seoul-campus art admissions for 2027. Hongik now judges art applicants on documents, school records, an interview and the CSAT; a U.S. art school judges a portfolio of the student’s own work, writing and an English score.
The useful comparison is therefore what each side actually assesses. Some of it overlaps, especially creativity and authenticity; much of it does not.
WHAT GETS JUDGED · 1
What Each Side Assesses
| Hongik 2027 (Seoul, art) | U.S. art schools | |
|---|---|---|
| Main evidence | School record and documents; CSAT for 정시 | Portfolio of 8–20 works (school-dependent) |
| Interview | 수시 미술우수자: 60% of stage 2; assesses art-related literacy, creativity, expressive ability and the authenticity of documents | Not a standard part of most first-year applications |
| Practical test | None listed for art | None; work is made in advance |
| Writing | Documents in Korean | Statements or essays in English |
| Academic threshold | 수시: CSAT three areas summing to grade 9 or better, Korean History grade 4 or better | No national exam; English score required |
From Hongik University (Seoul) 2027 대학입학전형계획 and the application pages of Parsons, Pratt, RISD and SVA, checked October 2026.
WHAT GETS JUDGED · 2
Where the Two Overlap
Both systems now ask, in different ways, whether the student’s work and thinking are their own. Hongik’s interview explicitly assesses the authenticity of submitted documents. RISD wants every portfolio piece to be the applicant’s own creation and discourages master copies, and Parsons asks for written descriptions of process. A student who can explain how and why they made their work is preparing for both.
WHAT GETS JUDGED · 3
Where They Do Not
Hongik’s 수시 track depends on school grades and a CSAT minimum; U.S. art schools do not use the CSAT but need English test scores and an English writing sample. A U.S. portfolio also needs a body of finished work made over months, which Hongik’s 2027 art admissions do not ask for.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
If both paths are on the table, protect the shared skill, the ability to explain your own work, and plan the rest separately. Our page on how the two calendars collide covers timing, and K-Arts vs U.S. art schools covers a third route.
WHAT GETS JUDGED · 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hongik still have a practical drawing exam for art in 2027?
Not for Seoul-campus art admissions; neither the 수시 미술우수자 nor the 정시 art track lists a practical test.
What does the Hongik interview assess?
Art-related literacy, creativity, expressive ability and the authenticity of the submitted documents.
Do U.S. art schools interview applicants?
Interviews are not a standard part of most first-year applications; the portfolio and writing carry that role.
Is anything useful for both Hongik and U.S. schools?
Yes: being able to explain your own work and process, which both systems assess in different ways.
Do U.S. art schools use the CSAT?
No. They use the portfolio, school record, writing and an English score.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students at 95 schools. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
Hongik University (Seoul) 2027 대학입학전형계획; U.S. requirements from Parsons, Pratt, RISD and SVA. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Hongik vs U.S. Preparation · K-Arts vs U.S. Art Schools · 입시 Skills: Keep or Leave · Copying Sample Portfolios · Royal Blue Results