[The Public = Yeonsoo Kim] Ewha Womans University is one of Korea's numerous private universities. Located in Seoul, it has undeniable historical and social value which makes it attractive to foreign and Korean students alike.
Ewha Womans University is the largest women's university in the world. Also, it is one of the oldest modern educational institutions in Korea. The school was founded by Mary Scranton in 1886 during the Joseon period. At that time, Joseon which was once a hermit kingdom, had just reopened to the world under the reign of King Gojong and foreign influence was gradually infiltrating the Peninsula.
In particular, a large number of American missionaries visited the country and established various Western-style institutions such as churches, hospitals, and schools. Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University are the most representative examples of how their legacy was carried on across the generations, becoming a symbol of prestige.
Among Korea's hundreds of universities, Ewha Womans University stands out not only with its long history, but also with its impressive campus which is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Also in the spirit of cooperation with Western allies, the complex was designed by Dominique Perrault, a French architect who is most famous for his work on the National Library of France.
In addition to its architectural significance, the campus is highly functional, too. Most of its facilities are equipped with smart technology which is essential in Korea. The campus has its own Wi-Fi network, so students can conveniently access academic resources at any time. Moreover, culture and sports are represented as Ewha Womans University houses its own movie theatre, performing arts center, art gallery, student union gym, and various sports halls.
Reading rooms where students can spend long time studying and napping rooms where they can take a well-deserved break, are also typically seen in Korean universities, so this campus is no exception. Naturally, on-campus accommodation is an option preferred by many students. For ultimate convenience, a bank, a post office, and a large bookstore are also available within the premises of the university.
Historically, education in Korea was a privilege only noble men could access and that rule was especially enforced during the Joseon period. During the reign of the last royal dynasty of Korea, class division and separation of the sexes were two of the leading governance principles since Confucianism was established as the main ideology in the country.
What makes Ewha Womans University remarkable is that it was the first academic institution in Korea which allowed women access to education. Initially, it was established as a school, but it was expanded to a university after the liberation of Korea in 1945.
Although it lives up to its name and remains open exclusively to Korean female students, international students are welcome regardless of their gender. Women's rights and gender equality are topics that many students here are deeply passionate about, making Ewha Womans University associated with Korea's feminist movement.
Throughout the years, this university has produced a large number of distinguished figures in various fields. To begin with, the school is famous for being the alma mater of 'Ryu Gwan-sun,' one of the youngest female independence fighters in Korea. She participated in the March First Independence Movement in 1919 and although the demonstrations were peaceful, she was imprisoned by the Japanese authorities along with other patriots.
As a result, she died of torture at the young age of 16 years. Another notable political figure related to Ewha Womans University is 'Ban Ki-mun,' Former Secretary General of the United Nations, who is distinguished honorary Ewha doctorate. Under his leadership, UN Women, a new UN agency dedicated to women's rights, was created.
[Image by Pixabay]
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