Welcome to the website of Dongguk University. I am Yun Jae-woong, the 20th president of Dongguk University.

Dongguk University is a Buddhist university founded by Buddhist pioneers in 1906. We are proud of the history of Dongguk University, notably its celebration of Korea’s independence following a period of hardship. It was forced to close twice under Japanese colonial rule in Korea. Despite these unfortunate events, it maintained its pride in the ideas of Korean nationalist historiography until Korea’s independence was eventually achieved. Therefore, Buddhism, ethnicity, and history are the three pillars of Dongguk University’s identity.

Dongguk University has nurtured approximately 350,000 experts to contribute to developing the foundation for Korea’s modernization and democratization. It has also fostered new specialists who can chart the future of humanity. Furthermore, it has made constant efforts to develop Buddhism in Korea. It recently established the Founding Committee to elevate its status as a world-class university based on its slogan “The restoration of Buddhism leads to the development of Dongguk and vice versa.” We boast our contribution to advancing Korea’s modernization and democratization and cultivating professionals who can chart the future of humanity based on the cultural content of Korean Buddhism.

Our new goal is to develop Dongguk University into a university that frees students from concerns over tuition fees and employment. Numerous Buddhists and temples have endowed scholarships for students of Dongguk University. Moreover, Dongguk University has operated a thorough employment support system for students, which achieves better results every year. Dongguk University has accumulated brand value through abundant scholarships and a high employment rate.

In addition, Dongguk University has provided unique education that is not offered by other universities and that can enhance teaching of universal values. Our unique education mainly consists of meditation and enhanced field training and practice. Students can develop into the experts that society needs by experiencing mental stability and peace through meditation and participating in enhanced field training and practice. Our unique education also aims to nurture creative and integrated experts who can become world leaders. We have provided students with modern education that reflects 上求菩提 下化衆生, the core of the Buddha’s teaching, which means the following: attain enlightenment and then benefit your neighbors. Our education helps students achieve mental freedom and engage in virtuous practices to benefit communities.
I sincerely hope that the Buddha’s mercy will be always with you.

Thank you so much

Yun Jae-woong,the 20th president of Dongguk University