Ewha was founded by a Methodist missionary called Mary F. Scranton in 1886. But while polite society mocked the idea of trying to teach females anything other than the art of serving husband and son, King Kojong gave the enterprise his blessing. It was King Kojong who gave the school its name in 1887, and "Ewha" means "Pear Blossoms." The original campus was covered with them, and many historians speculate that a grove of pear trees near the Scranton home inspired the name.
The image of the pear blossom is incorporated in the school's logo.To the early Ewha students who lived and studied in the Scranton home, the pear blossoms must have been a distinctive and memorable feature of their educational experience.
The reins of leadership passed from the hands of foreign missionaries to Korean hands when Helen Kim took over as the seventh president of Ewha Haktang and the second dean of Ewha College. Thus, the opinions of the previous foreign presidents' have influenced deciding our school name in English, and they thought that they must emphasize their education which takes every single student as an independent individual self. Their intention to emphasize each student made them not use the plural word "women", but the singular word "woman." "Womans" is all the individual student of Ewha gathered together for women's rights, and it represents the university's foundation with just one student. It further symbolizes its high respect for the individuality of her wonderful women.
Therefore, Ewha is not a "womens" university, but "womans", keeping each woman's distinctive being intact in its name, and it is our intention to maintain this spirit. Our school name may not be grammatically right, but we believe that the hidden intention behind the name may convince such opinion.
In short, the late Helen Kim, president of Ewha from 1939 to 1961, explained the neologism “Womans” in the University’s name as a desire to respect the uniqueness and individuality of each of Ewha’s students.
Since its foundation in 1886 as "Ewha Haktang", Korea’s first modern educational institution for women, Ewha has been a driver of change for the women of this land. Thanks to the seeds of learning sown by Ewha, women in Korea have been able to affirm their identity as women and stand tall as full members of society, despite discrimination, prejudice, and the attempts to deny them basic human respect.
A pioneer in higher education for women in Korea that has produced female leaders in every field, at every level, while contributing to academic and social development, Ewha now faces another turning point. With the fourth industrial revolution looming over us like an enormous wave, we find ourselves today surrounded by an environment that poses daunting challenges including a rapidly changing society and dramatically rising demand for new talent in converging, cross-disciplinary fields.
As it has for well over a century, Ewha will continue to take the road less traveled while working to build a brighter future. In order to realize this vision, Ewha will enhance its capacities for education and research based on academic empowerment, create a new model for university education inspired by a thirst for challenge, and strengthen community ethics on the basis of communication and trust. In this way, we will lead future society in the right direction.
Starting with a single female student, Ewha has grown into a world-class women’s university with majors in every field including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and the arts. With pride in our hearts, knowing that “Ewha is like no other in the world,” we will stand at the forefront of our times and take on the challenges ahead as a female community of minds.
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Such a peaceful place. I wish I were a student here to enjoy the atmosphere They have such a big garden to walk around and the best thing is it's free to come.Just spend some hours relaxing and breathing the fresh air here. I also love the nearby areas which there are a lot of shops and food to choose
By Thúy Nguyễn (Feb, 2024) |
One of the famous schools in South Korea with 137 year's history. Tourist is allowed to visit public areas. Love the architecture design and vibes. Food, ATM & convenient stores available in the campus. The campus is surrounded by a shopping street. Definitely should pay a visit here.
By ZQ Boo (Feb, 2024) |
Went there last week on 20th February. The view was amazing. The garden was spotless with trash. Went to souvenir shop although quite pricey but we bought as our memorabilia
By amin rahman (Feb, 2024) |
Great architecture esp the underground glass hall . This is one of the prettiest university campus in SoKor. Along the street going to the main gate, there are a lot to see - restaurants, shops, cafes, etc. and the the beautiful gingko trees (esp during autumn).
By Jade Estavillo (Oct, 2023) |
My sister and I had to come here for a visit. Our mom graduated from Ewha in the late 1950s so we wanted to visit her alma mater during our visit to Seoul. I'm not sure if a typical tourist would find the university interesting but this place has a special meaning in my heart so it's definitely a special place for me. There are some cool architecture and I think it would be a great university to attend.
By Dae Hur (Mar, 2023) |
Beautiful university. And very quite and peacefull place. Its very easy to get into this university. I mean, the tourist also can enter and feel the vibes. The students is so nice to show me around too. They are so nice. I wish to comeback here!
By Fareha Zulkefli (Nov, 2021) |
I loved the beautiful scenery at this Campus, beside the old gothic looks of the buildings . The most stood out was the pathway which split the hill in Two . The construction design was spectacular with all glasses and steel beams to hold it. There were offices, classrooms and other facilities also installed of both sides of the walls. You could walk between in the middle of the walkway or on both sides of them to go to the top. Surrounding these buildings there were beautiful flowers that blossomed during the seasons to make the campus more beautiful with attractions. We were happy and fortunate to come by and visit this spectacular school and around this areas. There were shops, restaurants and other venues that very close to this Campus.
By Jimmy Anh Truong (Nov, 2020) |
Despite being a private university, it is open for the public to visit. The campus is huge and is architecturally interesting. There are huge stairways, manicured walkways, monuments, the changing colors of fall leaves..On the inside, it's more like a shopping mall. They have stationery shops, cafes, gift shops etc.And the girls around the campus are pretty too
By Jack Tan (Jan, 2020) |
it’s a nice place to walk around and take photos. Can spend an hour in the university. In front of the university, it’s a shopping area full of clothes, accessories, local cosmetic brands and restaurants. The coat is super cheap, the seller is so nice :)
By Supitsara Kruaongarjnukool (May, 2018) |
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Ewha Womans University (Korean: 이화여자대학교; Hanja: 梨花女子大學校) is a private women's research university in Seoul, South Korea. It was originally founded as Ewha Haktang on May 31, 1886, by a missionary Mary F. Scranton. Currently, Ewha Womans University is one of the world's largest female educational institutes and one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea. Ewha Womans University has produced numerous South Korean women leaders, including politicians, CEOs, and legal professionals.
By Ha Kim Bao (Jan, 2025) |