Navigating the Intersections of Religion and Education Reflected in the Institutional Mission: Examining the Case of Dongguk University as a Buddhist-Affiliated Institution in South Korea

Abstract

This study examines the ongoing impact of religiously affiliated private institutions on the dynamics of higher education in South Korea. To do so, this study pays attention to the case of Dongguk University as a renowned Buddhist-affiliated institution. By exploring the university’s institutional mission, educational goals, governance, symbolic representations, and curricula, this study illustrates the ways in which Dongguk University integrates its Buddhist identity into various facets of its educational framework. This study especially highlights the university’s ongoing efforts to reconcile its religious vision based upon Buddhism with its broader educational responsibilities to our society so as to educate well-rounded citizens who can creatively address contemporary challenges we now face. With an in-depth exploration of Dongguk University rooted in Buddhism, this study sheds light on the distinct characteristics of religiously affiliated private institutions and their influences on the educational landscape in South Korea. In doing so, this study offers valuable insights into the ways to examine the intersections between religions, education, and contemporary society. Such insights elucidate the critical roles of religions in our public life and their implications for the future of education in an era of unprecedented social, cultural, and technological changes.