The mission of Dongguk University Los Angeles is to:

1. Explore and embody the principles and practices of traditional East Asian medicine.
2. Develop a community of skilled medical practitioners.
3. Provide accessible health care services to the local community

Master’s program educational objectives:

To train healers who are able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and historical contexts of oriental medicine.
2. Apply this understanding to accurately diagnose patients.
3. Utilize bio-medical diagnostic methods and refer to other practitioners as appropriate.
4. Competently plan, perform, assess, and adjust acupuncture treatments for common conditions and patterns.
5. Competently prescribe and modify herbal formulas for common conditions and patterns.
6. Embody and advise on healthy lifestyle choices
7. Identify, define, and model best practices for professional success.

Dongguk University Korea is the sister school of Dongguk University Los Angeles. Dongguk University Korea consistently ranks among Korea’s top universities. Founded in 1906 by Korea’s Jogye Buddhist order, Dongguk University Korea remains one of the few Buddhist-affiliated universities in the world. Its doors have always been open to students and teachers of all faiths and philosophies.

The roots of Dongguk University Los Angeles reach back to 1976 when Dr. Harvart R. Hongo began teaching the fundamentals of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at his Sei Shin Acupuncture Clinic. Encouraged by his patients who wished to learn more about this healing art, Dr. Hongo took the initial steps toward his goal of combining research and educational pursuits, with the provision of charitable health services to the surrounding community.

In January of 1997, Dongguk University Korea affiliated with Royal University of America. In 2009, Dongguk Royal University was rededicated as Dongguk University Los Angeles during its 30th anniversary celebration. During the Rededication and 30th Anniversary ceremony, a mutual exchange agreement was signed with Dongguk University Korea detailing the collaborative benefits for each University.