Wisdom, mercy, compassion are the words that became values for all students and graduates of South Korean Dongguk University. The university is different from the rest of the educational institutions in Seoul and the country. Its purposes are not limited to training highly qualified and competitive personnel for the modern labor market and go beyond the common educational standards.
Dongguk is one of the few world universities based on Buddhism values. The staff strives to transfer advanced knowledge to students in the field they chose and also teach them practical wisdom, basic virtues, respect and trust in the world. According to numerous ratings, such an approach is fortunate: Dongguk is among the most demanded universities of the country and world whose graduates often rise to incredible heights in life.
The history of Dongguk started at the beginning of the 20th century when its walls welcomed the first students. But it received the status of a full-fledged university only in 1953. At present, thousands of students study here in a variety of fields, from IT to pharmacy. Moreover, the institution has two clinics of western medicine and four clinics of eastern one.
The area of Dongguk is divided into several branches and campuses. Travelers wishing to feel a positive influence of Buddhism come to the main campus. It is surrounded by dense and hilly Namsan Park, the green valley of which is cut through by the top and spire of the N Seoul Tower. There is a sculpture depicting a herd of elephants, that adorns a picturesque park near educational buildings and dormitories. These majestic and noble animals, one of the university symbols, perfectly fit into the natural and architectural landscape of the campus. Being here gives calmness and appeasement like after visiting a real Buddhist pagoda.
The rest of the branches and campuses are situated in the South Korean cities of Ilsan and Gyeongju and the American Los Angeles.