[471 Round-up] Dongguk Literature Reaffirmed as Students and Alumni Win Major Literary Prizes

   Students and alumni from the Department of Korean Language and Literature & Creative Writing at Dongguk University have swept major literary awards in the first half of 2025, reaffirming the legacy and strength of “Dongguk Literature.”

   A total of three individuals were honored this season. Yoon Kang-eun, acurrent fourth-year undergraduate student, received the 48th Today’s Writer Award, hosted by Minumsa, for her full-length novel. It is considered a rare achievement for an undergraduate student to win this prestigious award, drawing significant attention from the literary community. Han Jeong-hyeon, a graduate of Dongguk’s master’s and doctoral programs in Korean Literature, was awarded the Grand Prize at the 25th May 18 Democratization Literature Awards. Meanwhile, Ye So-yeon, who also completed her master’s degree at Dongguk, won the Grand Prize at the 48th Yi Sang Literary Award.

   These achievements once again highlight the enduring stature of Dongguk Literature, which has produced some of Korea’s most celebrated literary figures, including Seo Jeong-ju, Jo Ji- hoon, Jo Jung-rae, and Yoon Go-eun.

   This recent wave of recognition serves as powerful encouragement for aspiring writers currently studying at the university. The department’s commitment to nurturing literary talent continues to bear meaningful results. With each award, Dongguk’s literary legacy grows not only in history but in the present moment. It stands as a testament to the university’s role as a vibrant and enduring cradle of Korean literary excellence.