Ewha Womans University

Ewha Womans University stands as the pioneering educational institution for Korean women, tracing its roots back to 1886 when American missionary Mary Scranton conducted classes at her Seoul residence. The university's name, bestowed by King Gojong, translates to "Pear Blossoms," symbolizing the flower believed to have graced Scranton's home. The intentional use of "womans" underscores the university's commitment to viewing each student as a unique individual. Commencing college courses in 1910 with a modest cohort of 15 students, Ewha awarded its first PhDs in 1963 and now boasts over 16,000 students. It earned the distinction of being South Korea's first government-accredited university in 1946 and is associated with a primary and secondary school. In a landmark development in 2007, Scranton College was established to pioneer Korea's inaugural self-designed major in an undergraduate program, honoring the university's founder. Ewha's commitment to societal progress is evident through its Multicultural Institute, which drives research, teaching, and policy formulation on multiculturalism, and its Asian Center for Women’s Studies, dedicated to enhancing women's status regionally and globally. Guided by its mission to advance women's education and modernize opportunities, the university upholds the virtues of knowledge, goodness, and beauty. Aspiring for academic excellence, Ewha aims for at least ten of its departments to secure positions among the world's top 200, with the overarching goal of attaining a spot in the global top 100. Situated in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, Ewha Womans University continues to be a beacon of empowerment and enlightenment for women in the country and beyond.