[Dongguk University] Cultural and Academic Building

   When you get off at Dongguk University Station, you can easily reach the campus by taking the escalator. In spring or fall, you can enjoy flowers and autumn leaves along the slope, and in winter, you can experience the beautiful snowy scenery. This area is where many students take pictures.

   The first buildings you will notice are the Academic Building and the Cultural Building. Dongguk University is renowned not only for its Buddhist studies but also for its Department of Theater, Department of Film. Dongguk University has produced many celebrity alumni, and it is a place where students passionately strive to become the next stars of Korea. In addition, the Department of Buddhist Art, Department of Western Painting, Department of Korean Painting, Department of Sculpture, and the newly established Department of Korean Music in 2023 are here shaping the future of Korean art.

Cultural Building 

   The Cultural Building, also known as K Building, is the home of the College of Arts. The first thing you will see is the Lee Hae-rang Arts Theater. This theater was built to honor the achievements of Lee Hae-rang, a major figure in Korean theater history. It serves as a professional venue for theater performances by students from the Department of Theater and external performances.

   On the basement level, there are exhibition halls for the Department of Sculpture, Department of Arts to showcase their works, while the Cinematheque of the Department of Film holds workshops and screenings. During exhibition seasons, the entire Cultural Building transforms into an exhibition space, allowing students to view exciting art pieces.

   Previously, there were the Garden Cook restaurant and Duri Teacafe, but these were closed on January 13th, 2024, and the space is now used as practice classrooms for the College of Arts. The Cultural Building is frequently used not only by students from the College of Arts but also by students from other departments, serving as a connecting point between buildings. The 3rd floor connects to the 2nd floor of the Business Building, and the 4th floor connects to the Academic Building. The elevator by the stairs leading to the Cultural Building often gets crowded, so many students take alternative routes.

Academic Building

   The Academic Building, formerly known as the 90th Anniversary Hall A or Academic Cultural Building, is now officially referred to as the Academic Building. In 2004, it was selected as a Seoul City Excellent Building for its design, which harmonizes with natural elements and the existing campus structure.

   Originally a building for the Graduate School, the Academic Building changed in 2016 when the College of Future Convergence and Lifelong Education Center moved in, turning it into a space for diverse academic disciplines and research. In 2023, the Department of Korean Music was established, and various practice spaces within the Academic Building are now being used. These include the Yeongsan-hoesang Room, Pungnyu Room, Changak Room, Data Room, and Individual Practice Rooms, providing students with convenient spaces for their studies and practice.

   Through this article, The Dongguk Post hopes international Donggukians to gain information about the building’s connection structure and have a more comfortable life while attending school.