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This study examines the ongoing impact of religiously affiliated private institutions on the dynamics of higher education in South Korea. To do so, this study pays attention to the case of Dongguk University as a renowned Buddhist-affiliated institution. By exploring the university's institutional mission, educational goals, governance, symbolic representations, and curricula, this study illustrates the ways in which Dongguk University integrates its Buddhist identity into various facets of its educational framework. This study especially highlights the university's ongoing efforts to reconcile its religious vision based upon Buddhism with its broader educational responsibilities to our society so as to educate well-rounded citizens who can creatively address contemporary challenges we now face. With an in-depth exploration of Dongguk University rooted in Buddhism, this study sheds light on the distinct characteristics of religiously affiliated private institutions and their influences on the educational landscape in South Korea. In doing so, this study offers valuable insights into the ways to examine the intersections between religions, education, and contemporary society. Such insights elucidate the critical roles of religions in our public life and their implications for the future of education in an era of unprecedented social, cultural, and technological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of recent measles outbreaks, substantial factors associated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) unvaccination need to be clarified. This study aimed to identify differential demographic and clinical characteristics between MMR vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. We used a large-linked database to identify children born between 2008 and 2016 by combining data from the Korea Immunization Registry Information System and National Health Information database. The MMR vaccination status was ascertained up to the age of 2 to define MMR vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify factors associated with MMR unvaccination. Of 3,973,253 children, 75,674 (1.9%) did not receive the MMR vaccine. Compared with the MMR vaccinated group, the underutilization of healthcare resources was more notable in the MMR unvaccinated group (number of outpatient visits (5.73 ± 12.1 vs. 25.8 ± 17.06); days hospitalized (1.69 ± 14.5 vs. 2.32 ± 6.90)). Children were less likely to receive the MMR vaccine if they were born with congenital anomaly (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.90–2.36), were never admitted to an intensive care unit (1.88; 1.78–1.98), or never visited an emergency room (3.57; 3.53–3.72). There were substantial factors associated with MMR unvaccination, underscoring a need to optimize targeted interventions tailored to the subset of children in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]