Visit to Yale campus highlights the growth of Korean and Buddhist studies

From October 10-11, Yale hosted a delegation from South Korea, as leaders from Dongguk University and the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism visited campus. They met with Yale President Maurie McInnis to discuss the growth of Yale’s Korean Studies program and Buddhist Studies Initiative, which are organized by the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies. Dongguk University, based in Seoul, is one of the leading centers for research on Buddhism. It collaborates with the Jogye Order, one of the major orders of Buddhism in Korea.

President McInnis said, “The study of Korea has emerged as one of the fastest-growing disciplines at Yale. Exploring Buddhism in a global context creates new opportunities for interdisciplinary research, enabling Yale scholars and students to engage more deeply with its rich cultural traditions.”

This visit speaks to Yale’s leadership on Korean Buddhist studies,” Steven Wilkinson, vice provost for global strategy, said. “I’m excited about the possibilities to come as Yale emerges as a leader for Buddhism studies and continues to attract the best partners from around the world.”

During their two-day visit, the delegation also attended a lantern festival workshop at the MacMillan Center, toured the special collections at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and engaged with the Yale community in lectures at the MacMillan Center. 

To learn more about Yale and East Asia, visit the Yale and the World website.