Dongguk University will establish an “AI Convergence Department” and a “Cultural Heritage Department” from 2022. The Department of Cultural Heritage will be one of the departments belonging to the college of Buddhist Studies, and the AI Convergence Department will be classified as an independent department with independent qualifications, not included in the university.
Cultural Heritage Department will be established to develop traditional Korean culture based on Buddhist cultural assets, which make up the majority of Korea᾽s traditional cultural heritage, to meet national policies and contribute to the development of scholarship and cultural heritage. In addition, entering the Department of Cultural Heritage requires the first priority of exploration ability, interest, and understanding of the major based on various materials and artifacts. Also, since it is a department of cultural assets belonging to the college of Buddhist studies, it requires applicants’ interest and understanding of Buddhism.
AI Convergence Department is a department that learns basic and expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to lead the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It aims to foster talented people who contribute to human society and national development by exploring and studying solutions. The Division is divided into three detailed departments: artificial intelligence, data science, and intelligent cultural convergence. After completing the common curriculum for two years, students can freely choose their major based on a sufficient understanding of major.
“In line with the changing times, Dongguk university has also made new attempts through the establishment of new departments,” said an official at the admissions office. The official also said, “In the case of the AI Convergence Department, we chose to recruit “Da” on time, and our university, which previously chose “Ga” and “Na,” will make a new attempt, urging many people to pay attention to the new department.”
Song Kyu-eon, a sophomore of the Department of Chinese and Chinese literature, said, “I think we can cultivate more diverse talents by establishing a new department. We hope that the new department will serve as a guide for Donggukians to play an important role and have a positive impact in various fields. However, I wonder what will differentiate this newly made departments from similar departments that existed before. I am also concerned about the direction of the department and how to overcome the lack of curriculum and career information, attracting students’ attention in the new school admission.” While expressing concern, she said, “I understand that other universities are also establishing AI and software departments. Dongguk University will be able to increase its competitiveness by establishing related departments. In the case of the Cultural Heritage Department, I think the speciality of Dongguk University as a Buddhist university will be added to strengthen its specificity and become an advantage of our school.”