Did you know that Dongguk University was originally named Myeongjin School? Myeongjin Hall, the first building constructed alongside Myeongjin School, is a symbolic representation of the university. The Law/Manhae building is always a crowded place. It is located on the way from the school buildings of the Chungmuro Station area and to the center of the campus and is frequently visited by students seeking study rooms during exam periods. Through this article, The Dongguk Post hopes to share information about Myeongjin Hall and the Law/Manhae Hall, which are located at the heart of the campus, so that the Donggukians can gain a deeper understanding of the university’s historical background and information.
Myeongjin Hall
Each building at Dongguk University is assigned an alphabetical designation, which indicates the order of its construction. Myeongjin Hall is designated as Building A and, along with the Science Hall, was one of the first buildings constructed at the university. Designed by architect Song Min-gu and completed in 1956, Myeongjin Hall received the Architecture Award that same year. Over time, its interior has been modernized to accommodate contemporary needs, but the exterior has retained its original form. On November 6th, 2018, it was officially registered as Cultural Heritage No. 735 under the name “Former Main Building (Stone Building) of Dongguk University in Seoul.” Despite its cultural significance, the building’s interior has been criticized for its outdated facilities.
Currently, Myeongjin Hall is primarily used by the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Natural Sciences, with their respective academic offices located inside. Toward the far right from the main entrance on the first floor, students can find Myeongjin Lounge, a space for studying and relaxation. During exam periods, it is occasionally open 24 hours a day. As for restroom facilities, the basement houses a men’s restroom, the second floor has a women’s restroom, and the third floor has both men’s and women’s restrooms. The third-floor restrooms were originally part of a reading room but were newly constructed in 2017 following persistent student demands for better restroom conditions.
There are also intriguing legends surrounding Myeongjin Hall. One widely told story suggests that at the time of its construction, placing a restroom behind the Buddha statue in Paljeongdo was considered inappropriate. Another rumor claimed that the building initially had no restrooms, and only after an unfortunate incident in which someone relieved themselves in the hallway were restrooms installed. However, this story has since been debunked as false.
Beneath Myeongjin Hall, facilities such as Shinhan Bank, a post office, and several student clubs and department rooms can be found. Additionally, the cherry blossom trees lining the path from the side of Myeongjin Hall to the Science Hall are one of the university’s most picturesque spots in spring. Many students gather here during cherry blossom season to take photos and enjoy the beauty of the campus.
Law/Manhae Building
The Law/Manhae Building, used by the College of Law and the College of Buddhist Studies, is located to the right of Myeongjin Hall when facing away from it. Originally built as the Central Library, the building was remodeled and renamed the Manhae Building when the library relocated in 2002. It was later renamed the Law Building, which remains its official designation today. The structure is also connected to the Faculty Building, forming a single complex.
The Law Building consists of lecture halls and study areas. The study area includes the Law Library, computer rooms, judicial exam study rooms, and general study rooms. The study rooms are divided into the Bodeok Study Room on the first floor, the second study room on the second floor, and the third study room on the third floor. The Bodeok Study Room is open 24 hours a day, while the second and third study rooms are open from 6 A.M. to midnight. During exam periods, all study rooms may be open 24 hours, with many students filling the rooms for studying.
To ensure a proper study environment, students must adhere to specific reading room regulations. Eating is strictly prohibited, and only lidded tumblers are allowed. Some study rooms permit keyboard use, while others do not, so students should check the regulations in advance. Real-time seat availability and room layouts can be easily accessed on the Dongguk University Central Library website. In addition to study spaces, the Law/Manhae Building also features several rest areas and a Coopsket café, providing students with a place to take breaks between their studies.
These two buildings, Myeongjin Hall and the Law/Manhae Building, are not only central to the university’s daily operations but also hold historical and cultural significance. Through this article, The Dongguk Post hopes that by understanding the background of these buildings, students can gain a deeper appreciation of Dongguk University’s rich history and make the most of the facilities available.