Museums #12 in Seodaemun-gu

Ewha Womans University Museum

4.5 · 429 reviews
Reflective and intellectually focused
Ewha Womans University Museum, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

The museum holds a collection of over 20,000 items covering Korea's prehistoric era through the modern period.

2

It is home to several officially designated National Treasures, including rare Goryeo-period Buddhist paintings.

3

The institution conducts ongoing archaeological excavations and research projects, contributing to the understanding of Korean heritage.

4

The building itself, the Ewha Campus Complex (ECC), is one of the largest underground campuses in the world, utilizing natural light via a central gorge.

5

The museum collection includes a significant archive of traditional 'bojagi' (wrapping cloths) and royal costume replicas.

Overview

The Ewha Womans University Museum is a significant cultural institution established in 1935 as the first university museum in Korea. It houses an extensive collection of Korean cultural artifacts, including National Treasures and important folk art pieces. The permanent collection features prehistoric pottery, Joseon-dynasty paintings, and traditional embroidery. The museum is renowned for its academic research, particularly in the study of traditional Korean female clothing and costume history. It resides within the ECC (Ewha Campus Complex), a notable subterranean architectural work designed by Dominique Perrault. The facility integrates historical preservation with modern, minimalist architectural aesthetics. Visitors can view rotating exhibitions that bridge historical craftsmanship with contemporary artistic interpretations.

Photo spot

The central ramp of the ECC building, which provides a symmetrical view of the modern, sunken architecture.

Insider tips

Incorporate a walk around the ECC building to view its unique structural design.

Check the museum's official website for current special exhibition themes before arrival.

Plan your visit to coincide with a campus tour to better understand the university's historical context.

What to avoid

Avoid wandering into restricted academic buildings or faculty offices, as the campus remains an active university environment.

Good to know

Closed on Sundays and major public holidays; sometimes closes during university breaks or academic intersessions.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet tone to respect students and academic staff working nearby; flash photography is generally prohibited in galleries.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-spring or late autumn to experience the campus grounds when cherry blossoms are in bloom or foliage turns, providing better outdoor scenery.
Address
Ewha Womans University Museum, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
37.560, 126.945
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsJoseon-era paintings, traditional embroidery, and prehistoric earthenware
Architectural highlightThe underground ECC (Ewha Campus Complex) design by Dominique Perrault

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-spring or late autumn to experience the campus grounds when cherry blossoms are in bloom or foliage turns, providing better outdoor scenery..

The central ramp of the ECC building, which provides a symmetrical view of the modern, sunken architecture.

Close by you'll find Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Deoksugung Palace.

South Korea

About Seodaemun-gu