Founded in 1886 by Mary F. Scranton, Ewha Womans University is one of the oldest and most notable universities in South Korea. From the first place, Ewha has been dedicated to the women aristocrats and noble class on their journey to pursue a modern reformation of national education.
Today, Ewha is still going strong as one of the top calls with a strict acceptance rate of only 10% as of 2022. Going beyond its reputation in education, Ewha Womans University is also one of the most visited attractions in Seoul with its proximity to the nearby shopping hubs and plenty of good eats. Read on to explore where to see at Ewha Womans University and the best things to do nearby.
Things To See And Do At Ewha Womans University
Pear Blossom Embossed Wall
Dubbed as the emblem of Ewha, the washed-out off-white wall is blanketed with dense clusters of exquisitely carved pear blossoms, a representative symbol signifying “fortune”. The wall soon leads you to the main campus just behind. The massive, breezy campus is flanked by ginkgo trees showering a colorful canvas of fall foliage when autumn is around the corner.
Despite being a tourist attraction, Ewha is still a university in full operation on any given day. For that reason, maintaining a quiet atmosphere is a good thing here.
Welch-Ryang Auditorium
Though not open to public visits, the Welch-Ryang Auditorium comes around as one of the most talked-about sites at Ewha. However, you can still stop by and hang around at the flight of stone stairs.
The massive building houses 2800 seats inside its main hall, making it the largest concert hall in Asia for a short while. Today, Welch-Ryang Auditorium serves as the centerpiece for community services and events at the university.
ECC (Ewha Campus Complex)
Think war tunnels but this is an underground campus structure, and did I mention it’s the country’s largest of its kind?
The complex spans four floors underground, stuffing everything from a library to an IT center, an art gallery, a fitness center, and even a cinema. Somewhere in between those private compartments, you also find coffee shops and convenience stores that tourists are allowed to visit.
On top of that, the building’s design inclines towards an eco-friendly concept where groundwater and rainwater are completely recyclable.
Ewha Womans University Shopping Street (Map Included)
Dive into the shopping map below that I made so you can follow the route easier after getting out of Ewha.
Take a right turn to Ewhayeodae-gil street where the shopping hub is located. This is a short walk from the university entrance. If you plan to visit other parts of the city such as Hongdae, Seoul, Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun, hail the subway line 2 from Ewha Woman University Station and Sinchon Station.
Those two subway stations split the shopping district into two major parts. If you’re looking for somewhere less busy with more pedestrian-friendly alleyways, start from the Ewha Woman University Station.
The entire area is chock full of boutique stores of clothing, accessories, and cosmetics at an affordable price range. Heavyweights in the beauty product scene here include ETUDE HOUSE, THE FACE SHOP, SKIN FOOD, Holika Holika, and Nature Republic while Olive Young and Aritaum are some of the most popular clothing lines.
Cozy dining holes with aesthetic designs and plenty of beauty salons also make a statement here. Compared to the nearby Myeongdong, the retail price here at Ewha is a tad cheaper though it’s not downright the cheapest place for shopping.
Smashing Insta-worthy backdrops and shopping possibilities all at once, a trip to Ewha Womans University and the nearby Ewha Shopping Street is definitely a highlight of your visit. Check out more travel ideas in Seoul and shopping guides here:
- 6 Best Things To Do In Hongdae- Indie Culture, Shopping, Urban Arts, And Nightlife
- A Day in Myeongdong, Seoul- Things To Do And See
- Chuncheonjip Dakgalbi Makguksu- The Best Korean Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry Near Sinchon Station
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Explore more of our adventures around Korea:
- Travel Guide: A Pocket South Korea Travel Guide
- Attractions: Nami Island, Gwangjang Market
- Food: Ultimate South Korea Food Guide
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