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Ewha Womans University

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Ewha Womans University is a private research university located in Seoul, South Korea.

Ewha Womans University
Ewha Womans University

It is recognized as one of the largest female educational institutes in the world. The university is also considered one of the most prestigious institutions in South Korea. It has a long history of training women to become leaders. Many graduates have gone on to become successful politicians, CEOs, and legal professionals.

The university began as a mission school called Ewha Haktang. Mary F. Scranton founded the school on May 31, 1886. In its very first year, the school had only one student.

Ewha Womans University in 2020
Ewha Womans University in 2020

The name "Ewha" was given by Emperor Gojong in 1887. In the local language, Ewha means "Pear Blossom." This flower is an important symbol for the school. The image of the pear blossom is still used in the university logo today.

As time passed, the school expanded its academic offerings. It began providing college courses in 1910. By 1925, it had started offering professional courses for women. A major turning point occurred on August 15, 1945, when Korea was liberated. Following this event, the college received government permission to become a university. This made it the first university to be officially organized in South Korea.

The university's name is unique because it uses "Womans" instead of "Women." While this is unconventional in English, the school uses it for a specific reason. The singular word "Woman" emphasizes that every student is an individual. Ewha aims to prioritize individual growth rather than providing a single, uniform education. This philosophy helps each student contribute their own unique perspective to the community.

Ewha is a large and globally connected institution. In April 2018, the university reported 21,596 enrolled students. While it is primarily for women, it does include male students. In 2003, there were 10 male students enrolled. By 2009, men made up 30% of the international student body. The university also maintains a massive global network. It collaborates with approximately 830 partners across 64 different countries. These partners include famous institutions like Harvard University, Cornell University, and the University of Edinburgh.

The university has a rich cultural and historical presence. It opened the Ewha Womans University Museum in April 1935. The museum houses a wide variety of artifacts. These include paintings, ceramics, crafts, and folk items. One of its most important collections is the Korean National Treasure No. 107. This collection consists of white porcelain, iron, and grape jars.

Leafy Street near Ewha Campus
Leafy Street near Ewha Campus

Many influential world leaders have been connected to Ewha. The university has honored many distinguished people with fellowships and doctorates. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is an honorary fellow. Ban Ki-moon, the former secretary-general of the United Nations, is an honorary doctor. Other notable figures include former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Nobel Prize winner Jane Goodall. These connections show the university's impact on global leadership and science.

However, the university's history has also included challenges and controversy. In the past, some leaders were criticized for their political stances. For example, the seventh principal, Helen Kim, faced criticism for her actions during the Japanese occupation. More recently, the university was involved in the 2016 South Korean political scandal. This involved the admission of a student named Chung Yoo-ra through special rule changes. This event led to the removal of the university president, Choi Kyunghee. These moments show how the university continues to navigate complex social and political changes in Korea.

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File:Ewha Womans University Campus new.jpg
Ewha Womans University Campus new.jpg
File:Leafy Street near Ewha Campus.jpg
Leafy Street near Ewha Campus.jpg
File:Ewha Womans University.JPG
Ewha Womans University.JPG
File:Ewha Womans University in 2020.jpg
Ewha Womans University in 2020.jpg
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