Founded in 1906 by Korea's ecumenically minded Jogye Order, Dongguk remains one of the few Buddhist affiliated universities in the world. Yet its doors have always been open to students and teachers of all faiths and philosophies.
Students and professors from around the globe enhance the quality of education on each of Dongguk's four campuses by bringing together dramatically diverse life experiences and cultures in a common educational mission.
Graduate and undergraduate students alike are exposed to the latest theories and practical training in every area of university study. Dongguk consistently ranks among Korea's top universities. Yet an equally important ingredient in any collegiate experience is development of the self, a maturing process enhanced by exposure to people of diverse backgrounds, opinions and value systems.
For thousands of new students each year, Dongguk continues to serve a great first step on a lifelong journey of self-discovery, service to others, and spiritual enlightenment.
In 1906 when the future for our nation was uncertain under the Japanese colonial rule, Buddhist leaders founded Myeongjin School with the spirit of protecting the nation through education, which evolved into Advanced Buddhist School), Central School, Central Buddhist Junior CollegeA, and Hyehwa Junior College in turn. The school has a sad history when it was closed by the Japanese colonial government, and a proud history when it reopened with the country's independence from Japan. The school changed its name to Dongguk College in 1946, which was promoted to a university in 1953, and has developed to this day. Leading the society, Dongguk University is a prestigious private school and the only Buddhist university in Korea, which has produced 250,000 talented graduates working in various sectors, including religious, political, economic, social, educational and cultural spheres, under Buddha's teachings of benevolence and wisdom. However, Dongguk University has faced an era when it can no longer afford to be content with its glorious history and tradition.
The foundational spirit of Dongguk University is summed up in three educational goals : to build up one's character based on the Buddhist virtues ; to make the nation, mankind, and nature full of wisdom and benevolence ; and to realize the ideal society in which people can trust and respect each other.
Following the foundational spirit, the University aims at making the Buddhist spirit and the Korean culture known worldwide, and further at cultivating persons of talent with leadership skills, who will devote themselves to realizing ideals of the nation and mankind by researching and teaching academic theories and their application methods.
As you know, the external environments surrounding universities are becoming more challenging due to a severe competition among universities and a decreasing student population. A considerable number of scholars think that the future for universities are not bright as amid the waves of globalization and informatization, the progress of sciences is accelerating and a huge torrent of transition is rushing. But this critical time when there is a mix of optimistic and pessimistic views of the future will be an opportunity for Dongguk University with its founding philosophy of Buddhism, a religion of enlightenment, to take a leap into a world-class prestigious university
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The school I visit this time of year is very pretty with the lotus lanterns and cherry blossoms.
I am always healed by the falling cherry blossoms at Jangchungdan Park~
By ReasonJung (Mar, 2023) |
Okay.. Chungmuro Station. It’s easy to get off at Dongguk University Station anywhere. There are many restaurants nearby and the campus is pretty.
By Ryan Kim (Jun, 2022) |
Best place to learn Buddhism philosophy and other great faculties are equally good from udergraduate to postgraduate research level.
By Kaleeka Neupane (Apr, 2022) |
It's the best place. Namsan is surrounded by folding screens and the national anthem comes to mind.
It is the best school in natural environment.
By 씨안(Sian (Apr, 2022) |
Clear and clean place, transportation is very convenientThe walking trail with nearby Namsan Mountain is fantastic.The nearby Jangchungdan Park is also good.The best places to eat nearbyThe temple within Dongguk University is also worth a visit.In short, it is a historical place with everything to see and enjoy, especially for foreigners.Highly recommended
By 김종성 (Jun, 2021) |
The Manhae of the March 1st Movement Kim Yong-un, Minjok University,A beautiful campus with Namsan as its yardA historic university located in the center of SeoulA lighting event will be held at the first file event in April.
beautiful place
By JAMES PARK (Apr, 2021) |
Been studying there from February '11 till March '16, cannot imagine a better place in Seoul to get the essence of Korean culture:) Plus, you can enjoy classes on buddhism (talking about temples on the campus! ob Buddha's birthday it is DGU where the Lotus Lantern Festival celebrations starts from) and get to the Seoul's shopping center (Myeong-dong, yay!) really quickly.
Really grateful to all professors, my classmates and all DGU staff ( lovely ahjummas in the school canteen, helpful guards) that made my stay there so much enjoyable!
By Justyna Dura (Jun, 2020) |
The best part of Dongguk University is the rooftop garden.Parks were created on the rooftops of almost all buildings to provide a rest area for students and at the same time create a good view.Additionally, there is a walking trail leading to Namsan, so there is a spot where you can see the cherry blossoms without crowds during the cherry blossom season.
By Yeonsu Moon (Jun, 2020) |
It is a very good college. I strongly recommend it.
By Somi Lee (Jun, 2020) |
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It is a 114-year-old private university located in the center of Seoul, close to Namsan Mountain and Jangchungdang Park, and is a famous university founded on Buddhist ideology.
By Charlie Yun (Feb, 2024) |