The First International Student Alumni Homecoming Day

The First International Student Alumni Homecoming Day Strengthened relations between international student alumni and universities and network activation expected International Student Alumni Homecoming Day was held on Saturday, the 23rd, at the main campus of Sangrok-Won. The event was the first homecoming day held by international student alumni and universities. More than 100 international students, including President Yoon Sung-yee, International Director Lim Jung-yeon, Chairman of the International Student Alumni Association Wang Ga-woo, Professor of Japanese Studies Lee Kyung-cheol, and Professor of Film and Digital Media Jung Jae-hyeong attended the event, which began at 4 pm. Currently, our university has about 2,000 international students from 50 countries, and the cumulative number of graduates is over 3,700.International student alumni who gathered together after a long time had a good time sharing memories. Some international student alumni who live abroad visited Korea to attend this event. Those staying abroad who were unfortunately unable to attend the event provided congratulatory greetings with video messages. Graduates who sent video messages from various countries including China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Nigeria expressed gratitude by saying “Thanks to Dongguk University, I was able to obtain my present position.”Through the congratulatory address, the President, Yoon Sung-yee, communicated the following message. “I expect Homecoming Day to be the starting point for various projects for international students and alumni. I hope the senior international student alumni who graduated earlier provide help to juniors to grow toward a better future.”International Director Lim Jung-yeon said, “As the first Homecoming Day with the International Student Alumni Association, we look forward to expanding the diversity and participation of alumni in the future.” For this purpose, he said, “To become a self-governing festival centered on international student alumni association, organization of an Alumni Association and participation of enrolled students should also take place.”The Chairman of the International Student Alumni Association, Wang Ga-woo, who was awarded a medal as alumnus and brought honor to Dongguk University, graduated from the Department of International Commerce and Area Studies and law school after graduating from our university’s language school. Currently doing business between China and Korea, he said, “This event can be arranged with the help of many others. I will continue to activate the International Student Alumni Association.” The following words reflect his love for the school: “Every moment is precious, as I spent a third of my life at Dongguk University.”Lee Jae-woo, Manager of the International Student Center and responsible for Homecoming Day, said, “I hope Homecoming Day will strengthen the ties between international students and alumni, promote the international student network, and establish a foothold for a scholarship system by linking students and alumni.”Homecoming Day, which carried out a variety of programs, including the launching ceremony of the International Student Alumni Association, the Proud Alumni Award, a congratulatory performance by the Baek Sang cheering party, and sweepstakes, was a time to provide new memories to our international alumni. Further, it was a time to increase a sense of belonging and pride by visiting the home university a long time after graduation and form a network with alumni. Although their languages, cultures, and countries are different, it was possible because of their love for Dongguk University. We look forward to further activating Homecoming Day for international student alumni and developing the future of international student alumni together with our university.

Professor Jeon Byung-hoon has received an award from the Ministe...

Professor Jeon Byung-hoon has received an award from the Minister of SMEs and Startups Selected as a man of merit in the “2019 Development and Promotion of Entrepreneurship” category Professor Jeon Byung-hoon (Technology Entrepreneurship Department) of Dongguk University (President: Yoon Sung-yee), director of the Youth Entrepreneur Center, has received an award from the Minister of SMEs and Startups, having been selected as a man of merit in the “2019 Development and Promotion of Entrepreneurship” category during the “2019 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW 2019)” held at Seoul Dragon City in Seoul, on November 12, 2019.GEW 2019, hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in Korea, and jointly organized by the Korea Entrepreneurship Foundation and the Global Entrepreneurship Network celebrated its 8th anniversary this year, and was attended by participants from more than 170 countries around the world,Professor Jeon Byung-hoon has been serving as the director of Youth Entrepreneur Center and as head of the Technology Entrepreneurship Department since 2014, and has built an entrepreneurship-friendly undergraduate program, founded youth start-ups, and made efforts to foster entrepreneurs equipped with technological knowledge and create a start-up culture among the students of the university. In recognition of such efforts and achievements, he has been chosen as a man of merit in the ‘2019 Development and Promotion of Entrepreneurship’ category.In 2017, the university established a compulsory undergraduate entrepreneurship course for the first time in Korea, with the goal of cultivating entrepreneurial activities, and has developed a variety of educational content on entrepreneurship. Currently, 50 courses on entrepreneurship are being offered, and 9,100 students take these classes every year. In recognition of such efforts and achievement, Professor Jeon Byung-hoon received an Award for Excellence (from the Chairman of National Research Foundation of Korea), in the “2019 Startup Class 100 Competition” at Ilsan KINTEX on November 8, 2019.In addition, Professor Jeon Byung-hoon was instrumental in the 2016 opening of the “Chungmu Entrepreneur Cube,” utilizing idle space in the region, along with the Seoul Jung-gu Office. He has also served as the manager (MP) of the Seoul Campus Town Project since 2017 and has led the spread of the entrepreneurial spirit in local communities by working with universities, municipalities, and community stakeholders. Professor Jeon Byung-hoon stated, “In line with the rapidly changing times, we should continue to develop a variety of educational content in order to cultivate students' entrepreneurial sensibilities and build an ecosystem for revitalizing university start-ups.”

The Celebratory Event for the 50th Anniversary of the College of...

The Celebratory Event for the 50th Anniversary of the College of Education and the 40th Anniversary of the Graduate School of Education Was Held Successfully A commemorative event that celebrated the 50th year of the first admission to the College of Education (in 1969) and the 40th year of the first admission to the Graduate School of Education (in 1979) was successfully held at Grand Ambassador Hotel in Jangchung-dong and throughout the campus of Dongguk University on Friday, October 11. Over 300 alumni and 100 secondary school educators attended the event, which consisted of an academic conference, a school administrator training, and an evening performance called the Night of Hakrim Alumni. The attendees celebrated the establishment of the institutions and strengthened their commitment toward further development of the university.Over 100 people attended the academic conference for school teachers as well as the school administrator training for principals and vice principals of secondary schools and explored measures to manage changes in education and teachers’ roles in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The campus tour was particularly well received among the attendees, as it provided the opportunity to witness the innovative achievements of the college and have a conversation with future teachers. The evening performance, which is also known as the Night of Hakrim Alumni, started at 6 p.m. with the sound of drums played by students majoring in dance at the Graduate School of Education. This event was attended by over 300 alumni, including Dae-shin Park, the chairman of the alumni association; Chae-gi Gwak, the President of Academic Affairs; Byung-hwa Jeon, the Head of Seoul Jungbu District Office of Education; and Sang-jin Bahn, the President of the Korean Educational Development Institute. During the event, the Dongguk University Choir showcased a celebratory performance; the alumni association awarded scholarships to juniors; and the university presented a plaque of appreciation to the schools that cooperate well with the college regarding teaching practices. Cheol-Geun Song, a graduate from the class of 1985, made a pledge to donate 100 million won. The relay of donations for junior alumni and the alma mater continued as Donggwanhwae, an alumni group of current school principals and vice principals, donated 10 million won; Professor Jin-ho Koh at the Department of Education donated 10 million won; and the faculty members of the College of Education donated 20 million won. The joint performance of the student band comprising history education majors and Professor Jin-ho Koh at the Department of Education created an exhilarating atmosphere that commemorated the Night of Hakrim Alumni. Jae-woong Yoon, Dean of the College of Education and the Graduate School of Education, declared a new vision of “becoming one of the 100 best colleges in the field of education based on the global education platform.” He said that the College and the Graduate School of Education, as the living history of Korean education, will not become complacent but will continue to strive to produce professional educators who can contribute to the future society.

Haram; where you can learn Korean at no charge

Haram; where you can learn Korean at no chargeSome classes are held forexchange and international students every Saturday at 11 A.M. in DonggukUniversity for free. They are provided by Haram which is a club teaching Koreanfor 13 years. If you join the class, you could choose the class depending onyour levels; Beginner, Basic, Intermediate class. Here are six experiences of Koreanand foreigner studentsAboutHaram from Korean StudentsChoiJeong-moon (Economics, Junior) I have been the member of the club for ayear. I belong to Education Bureau and I teach class. I could figure out whatwas hard on foreign students when they learn Korean. Especially in Intermediateclass, we usually make cultural exchange; go around the table to talk about onetopic. Haram is different from other clubs in school since we do have sense ofduty. KoHyeong-bin (Division of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Freshman)I belong to Management Bureau and wemanage Korean students and prepare events and activities. At first, I wassurprised to meet international students who speak Korean well and even myKorean friends didn’t notice he was foreigner. We got close one other and wehad a housewarming party. Many foreign students have class in the lateafternoon and do not have much time to meet Korean friends. I recommend Haramfor them.KimHyeong-jin (Division of English, Freshman)Since my dream is to be an English teacher,I would like to do educational service. It seemed interesting to teach Koreanfor foreigners when I saw the poster of the club. I just joined in thissemester and I am participating classes before deciding bureau. It is an unusualvolunteer work to Korean students. Also, it is a rare opportunity for foreignstudents to learn Korean.Experiencein Haram from Exchange and International StudentsImaneHoluigue (Political Science, Senior) from Université de Lille, France On the first of day of orientation the teacherfrom Haram presented the club. I am taking Basic Korean class in Dongguk thissemester, but I needed more learning. I joined the first day of the club and itwas interesting, so I kept joining. Other international students also agreewith me and that is why we keep coming back.On October 5th was sports day; running,rope jumping, and playing dodge ball. I expect that this would help forlearning since we can get closer and know each other well. Plus, it is carefulthat there are different levels. You can have a social life in Korea when youdon’t know anyone.Chenand Wu Jiakun (from left to right) in Intermediate ClassChenHsiang Nerng (graduate student of Division of Electronics and Electrical Engineering)from MalaysiaI have participated the class for 2 years.We learn Korean that we can utilize in real life and outside of that there arelots of activities including Temple stay, cup painting and picnic at Hangang River.I have learned exact pronunciation in the class though I studied Korean foryears in my country. It is important that the class is totally free, and all ofthe Korean teachers are nice and kind.WuJiakun (graduate of Department of Korean Language and Literature) from ChinaAs I am from China, I mostly hung out withother Chinese students. There was less opportunity to communicate with Korean.However, in Haram I could make many Korean friends in such an informal atmosphere.Not only I learned inter siot (사이시옷),one of the rules Korean spelling, but also experienced dining culture in theclub for 3 years.Ifyou need more information, please visit Haram official sitehttp://dguharam.com/Hwang Hae-sudhfl00@dongguk.edu

Have you ever heard about ISADU?

Have you ever heard about ISADU?If you are an internationalstudent in Dongguk University, you may have enjoyed ‘Cuseok Picnic’ where internationaland exchange students hung out at Yeouinaru on 16th. Or you could have seen theJujeom selling some international food in Dongguk festival last semester. Theseevents were organized by the students who introduced themselves as ISADA in DonggukUniv. orientation for international freshman and new exchange students. ISADA isa short word for International Student Association of Dongguk Univ.It is the very first councilfor overseas students in Dongguk. It was constituted this year by Toma (BusinessAdministration, Senior) from Russia with about 20 foreign students. Theywould like to help and communicate with other international students instudying in Dongguk. Their first official event was Jujeom theyrun at their own expense last semester. Now let’s hear it from the threemembers of the council. FromleftSteve(International Trade, Junior) from ChinaHoang(Department of Advertising and Public Relations, Sophomore) from VietnamNubee(Major in Computer Science and Engineering, Sophomore) from NigeriaJujeom,Picnic, And ?Steve:We were total strangers one another until preparing Jujeom. It’s been hard on usworking with people we had never seen. We divided the work;some went to amarket to buy some alcohol, snack and ingredient and others made menu, coupons andposters for promotion. It took a month to prepare this whole thing. It was agreat chance to connect other students from other country. Many people came andenjoyed the food we prepared. Our first participation in the festival was asuccess.Hoang:We made and sell food for Korean and international students. I prepared 200 VietnameseSpring Rolls. At first, I was to sell them, but I happen to give out them forfree. There were also taco, Hungary chicken grill platter, Russian dumplings. Itwas an amazing experience.Nubee:The goal of the events is one thing; to gather and have fun with other foreignstudents altogether. We had a good time with many exchange students at Chuseok Picnic. We are also planning to runpicnic regularly and the second picnic will be in October. This time we willinvite some Korean students over, and I’ve already asked The General Coed StudentCouncil for help to gather Korean. Plus, Temple stay, experiencing daily lifein temple, is expecting in December. It could be an opportunity to learn Koreanculture especially for exchange students.FeelFree to Join InSteve:I was so lonely for the last 2 years at Dongguk. But, at Jujeom various peopleincluding foreign professors, overseas and Korean students were there havingfun. It was the first time forever seeing such scene, spending time together. Iwas impressed and It was like union.Nubee:To be frank with you, it’s been hard on me to spend much time and make effort. Someof my friends say, “why are you making yourself busy by doing that?” It is my choice,so I am going to take it. Actually, my experiences in student council of mymajor helped a lot. If I have not joined the council, I’d never know how tomanage ISAD. I owe them a lot. We, of course,know what bothers international students. We can’t completely solve yourproblems facing in Korea but, we will help you as possible as we can. Eventhough you don’t speak Korean or English well Don’t hesitate to join us. We cansolve the common problems we have one by one. Let’s just enjoy Korean culturetogether. The membersvolunteered to operate the organization. They are spontaneously working hardand doing their best to ISADU going on and on even after the current members aregone or graduate. They are looking forward to see You soon. *Formore information, visit and follow their social media accountsHwang Hae-su Reporterdhfl00@dongguk.edu

Fall Commencement Ceremony Held

Fall Commencement Ceremony HeldAt the Mid-Auditorium of Main Building A total of 1,683 Degrees were ConferredOur university held the fall 2019 commencement ceremony at the Mid-Auditorium of the Main Building at the Seoul Campus on Thursday, 22nd at 11:00 AM. At the ceremony, a total of 1,683 graduates received diplomas out of which, 1,090 were bachelor’s degrees, 504 were master’s degrees, and 89 were Ph.D.’s.Beopsan Sunim, the Chairman of the Board delivered a congratulatory address, saying, “With a sincere heart I wish that as you embark on your new expedition, you will be filled with glorious wisdom whereby happiness will blossom.”In the congratulatory message, President Sung Yee Yoon said, “I wish that you will achieve every dream in this world,” and shared words of encouragement saying, “keep the lessons and spirit of Dongguk alive deep inside your mind and excel at your work while interacting amicably with people around you.”Dae-shin Park, the president of alumni said, “the graduates should take up challenges to become the best in every area and at every level of the society,” and asked them, “to have confidence as we, the Dongguk people have the valor and commitment like what is in the DNA of tough and trustworthy elephants.”▶ Geun-chang Lee, the CEO of Hanyang Steel Plaza Receives Honorary Doctoral DegreeAt the commencement ceremony, Geun-chang Lee, the CEO of Hanyang Steel Plaza Co., Ltd., received an honorary doctorate degree. Mr. Lee has made great contributions towards job creation and economic development through Hanyang Steel Plaza, a die-steel company that possesses the best technology in South Korea. He received the degree as a recognition of the contribution made towards the upliftment of the alienated weak people of our society by returning corporate profits, and efforts made for the growth of Buddhism.Mr. Lee graduated from the Hanyang University, with a major in chemical engineering, and after working as a teacher at the Hanyang Technical High School, executive secretary at the Manhae’s Thoughts Research Institute, and senior sales manager at the Shinhan Steel Co., Ltd., he founded Hanyang Metals, the former body of Hanyang Steel Plaza in 1993.

Celebrities Lee Deok-hwa and Lee Kyung-kyu Appointed Together as...

Celebrities Lee Deok-hwa and Lee Kyung-kyu Appointed Together as Visiting ProfessorsDelivering special lectures to students in the Theater Division, starting in SeptemberLee Deok-hwa and Lee Kyung-kyu, stars of the popular TV program the Fishermen and the City, have both been appointed as visiting professors in the Theater Division, Dongguk University.As a result, Lee Deok-hwa and Lee Kyung-kyu, both Theater Division alumni, will be standing on the lecture-hall stage at Dongguk University.Lee Deok-hwa says, “I will teach as much acting know-how as possible, drawing on my own first-hand experience, to help students at my alma mater gain many new skills.”Lee Kyung-kyu adds, “I have maintained a relationship with my alma mater for a very long time, even after graduating. I will do my best to advise students at my alma mater, so that they can stand out in the fields of TV and acting.”The two Visiting Professors Lee will both deliver special lectures in the Theater Division, starting during the second semester. Their term will begin in September and last for one year.

Four Awardees Selected for the 23rd Manhae Prize

Four Awardees Selected for the 23rd Manhae PrizeProfessor Emeritus Haruki Wada of the University of Tokyo and others honored on August 12 (Monday) The Manhae Festival Committee (chaired by Jongho Sunim, Vice President of Planning at Dongguk University) announced on July 15th (Monday) four winners of the 23rd Manhae Prize. This year’s Manhae Peace Prize goes to Professor Emeritus Haruki Wada of the University of Tokyo. The Manhae Practice Prize is awarded to the National Emergency Medical Center, part of the National Medical Center. The Manhae Literature Prize has been awarded jointly to theatrical director Im Young-woong and Professor Emeritus Kim Uchang of Korea University. The prizes are worth KRW 100 million in each category. Manhae Prizes are awarded to individuals who have made a significant worldwide impact in three areas: Peace, Practice, and Literature. Past awardees include former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa, the Dalai Lama, former Chairman Chung, Ju-yung of the Hyundai Group, former President Kim, Dae-jung of Korea, Catholic priest Ham Sei-ung, former Sorokdo nurse Marianne Stoeger, the poet Ko, Un, the novelist Jo Jung-rae, and Nobel laureate Mo Jen. Professor Emeritus Haruki Wada of the University of Tokyo, this year’s Manhae Peace Prize winner, is a distinguished progressive intellectual in Japan; he led efforts to resolve the deep-seated issues of colonization and reconciliation that continue to divide Korea and Japan. Processor Wada initiated a joint statement, signed by 214 Korean and Japanese intellectuals in May 2010, to mark the 100th anniversary of Japan’s annexation of Korea. The statement declared that the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910 was unjust, unreasonable, and invalid from the very beginning. Signed by intellectuals from both countries, this joint statement was unprecedented. Manhae Practice Prize winner, the National Emergency Medical Center (NEMC), part of the National Medical Center (NMC President & CEO Chung, Ki-Hyun and NEMC President Moon, Sung-woo) was highlighted for its contribution at the time when former President Yoon, Han-deok (1968–2019), whose presence was as essential and ubiquitous as air or water for the Korean public, suddenly passed away earlier this year, during the Korean New Year holiday. At this very moment, the NEMC is working tirelessly to honor former President Yoon’s commitment: “We must make Korea a country where anyone can survive, even in the smallest hospital emergency room.” Manhae Literature Prize co-winner Im Young-woong, a theatrical director, has produced many successful theatrical works during the past half-century, demonstrating his love for theater and resilience on stage. An orthodox director who never compromised or changed even a single word of an original work, Im has produced countless theatrical stars. He served as Chair of the Korea Theater Directors Association and the Korea Theater Association and was awarded the Korean Culture and Arts Award, the Dongrang Theater Prize, the Lee Hae-rang Theater Prize, and the Paradise Award. In 2016, he was awarded the Gold Crown Order of Culture Merit for his contributions to culture and the arts. The other Manhae Literature Prize co-winner, Kim Uchang, Korea University Professor Emeritus, has also worked as a literary critic. Since the 1977 publication of Poet in Times of Need, his first collection of critical reviews, he has published a series of critical reviews of literary works. Praised for their sensitive exploration and elegant literary style, his works of critical theory span the humanities, leading the way for literary criticism in Korea. He attracted particular attention for his in-depth, profound critical review of Manhae’s life and literature. The four-day Manhae Festival, which honors Manhae (pen name) Han Yong-un (1879–1944), is held from August 11 to 14 is held in Manhae Village and around Inje-gun; the theme is “Freedom and Peace.” Starting with events and performances on August 11, the night before the Manhae Festival, which celebrates the 23rd anniversary of the Manhae Prize, the festival includes various culture and art contests including the 21st National High Schooler Contest, the 17th Silence of Love Calligraphy Contest, and the 8th Silence of Love National Contest; it also includes academic seminars and local college events, including performances, exhibitions, and field day activities. The Manhae Prize Award Ceremony, a highlight of the Manhae Festival, is held at 2:00 p.m. on August 12 (Monday) at the Hanuelnaerin Center in Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (Inje-gun Chief Choi Sang-ki).

Prof. Youngmin Kim was elected as Executive Committee Member of ...

Prof. Youngmin Kim was elected as Executive Committee Member of ICLA Prof. Youngmin Kim, Distinguished Research Professor of English and Director of Trans Media World Literature, was elected as Executive Committee Member at the World Congress of the 22nd ICLA (International Association of Comparative Literature). The 22nd General Congress of ICLA was held from July 29 to Aug 2, 2019 at the University of Macau, themed: “Literature of the World and the Future of Comparative Literature.” Founded in 1955, the International Comparative Literature Association (ICLA) offers a home to all comparatists in the world and encourages exchange and cooperation among comparatists, both individually and through the collaboration of various national comparative literature associations, including more than 30 national associations of comparative literature: Argentinian Association, Austrian Association, Azerbaijani Association, Brazilian Association (ABRALIC), Bulgarian Association (ACCL/CALIC), Canadian Association (CCLA/ACLC), Central America and Caribbean Association (ALICAC), Chinese Association (CCLA), Croatian Association, Czech and Slovak Association, Egyptian Society (ESCL), Estonian Association (EACL), Finnish Association, French (Société Française de Littérature Générale et Comparée, SFLGC), Georgian Association (GCLA), German Association (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft, DGAVL), British Association (BCLA), Greek Association (GCLA), Hungarian Association, Indian Association, Italian Association (Associazione di Teoria e Storia Comparata della Letteratura), Socilian Association, Japan Association (JCLA), Korean Association (KCLA). Luxembourg Association, Macedonian Association, Moroccan Association (MCLA), Peruvian Association (ASPLIC), Associação Portuguesa de Literatura Comparada (APLC), Asociaţia de Literatură Generală şi Comparată din România, Slovensko društvo za primerjalno književnost (SDPK), South African Association (SAVAL), Sociedad Española de Literatura General y Comparada (SELGyC), Swiss Association (ASLGC), Taiwan Association (CLAROC), Ukrainian Association, America Association (ACLA).The Association aims to be inclusive and is open to anyone with an academic interest in comparative literature, including writers and artists. It welcomes the participation of graduate students and early-career scholars. The Association organizes a world congress every three years. 2016 ICLA World Congress was held at Vienna University, Vienna, Austria; 2013 ICLA at Sorbonne University, Paris, France; and 2010 ICLA World Congress was held at Chung Ang University in Seoul, Korea. ICLA oversees and supports research committees that reflect the membership’s current interests and meet more regularly to pursue agenda leading to publications in journals and books. The Association’s annual journal Recherche littéraire / Literary Research contains extensive studies in the field. Prof. Kim will serve as the Executive Committee Member for a three-year term from 2019 to 2022.

Dr. Im Gun-il Appointed as President of the International Combin...

Dr. Im Gun-il Appointed as President of the International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies He will serve a three-year term from 2019 to 2022.Dr. Im Gun-il, MD, PhD, Department of Orthopaedics, Dongguk University has been appointed as President of the International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies (ICORS) at the second International meeting hosted in Montreal, Canada from June 19 to 22, 2019.ICORS is a worldwide alliance of societies in the orthopaedic field and comprises 10 member societies: the US Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS), European ORS, British ORS, Canadian ORS, Japanese Orthopaedic Association, Australia/New Zealand ORS, Chinese ORS, Taiwanese ORS, Korean ORS, and Asia Pacific ORS, which includes seven alliance Asian countries.ICORS conducts the meeting in different continents every three years. It recognizes outstanding researchers in the field by awarding them the honorary title of Fellow of International Orthopaedic Research (FIOR).Dr. Im Gun-il was elected as the next president at the first ICORS held in Xian, China three years ago, and will serve a three-year term from 2019 to 2022.