ICDV IABU-Committees

Prof. Dr. Soonil Hwang

Member

Prof. Dr. Soonil Hwang is a South Korean Buddhist scholar and academic specializing in Early Buddhism, Buddhist philosophy, and Buddhist culture in South and Southeast Asia. He serves as an Associate Professor and Dean of the College of Buddhist Studies at Dongguk University in Seoul, South Korea, one of the leading institutions for Buddhist education in East Asia. His research focuses on the doctrinal history of early Buddhism, especially concepts like nirvana, and he has published influential works in the field, including the book Metaphor and Literalism in Buddhism: The Doctrinal History of Nirvana (Routledge, 2006).

Dr. Hwang earned his academic degrees through extensive study in philosophy and Buddhist studies, including completing his D.Phil. at the University of Oxford, where he researched early Buddhist doctrines.

In addition to his role at Dongguk University, he has participated as a visiting professor and lecturer at international academic institutions, including in Europe, where he teaches and offers courses on early and sectarian Buddhism, Buddhist culture, and the development of the Buddhist canon (Vinaya).

Prof. Dr. Hwang’s work bridges scholarly research, teaching, and international academic collaboration, contributing to global understanding of Buddhist history and thought.