InterviewEwha underscores lasting value of women's university in shaping global leaders

Ewha Womans University President Lee Hyang-sook speaks at the main building of its campus in Seodaemun District, Seoul, July 24. Lee is the first Ewha president with a background in science and engineering. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Despite decades of progress, Korea still lags in closing gender gaps in politics, business and leadership. It is in this unfinished push for parity that Ewha Womans University — one of the world’s largest women’s universities by enrollment — casts itself as both a catalyst for change and a training ground for women prepared to lead and compete on the global stage.

"If asked whether women’s universities are still needed today, I would say they absolutely are," said Ewha Womans University President Lee Hyang-sook, during a recent interview with The Korea Times.

"Ewha has a responsibility to remain a women’s university that nurtures outstanding talent — not just for Korea, but for the global stage. Our graduates are active worldwide, and we continue to expand our role as a global institution through research and international collaboration."

Lee stressed that cultivating global women leaders ranks among the university’s central long-term goals, with initiatives in education, research, international outreach and leadership training already underway to bring that vision to life.

Since becoming the first Ewha president with a background in science and engineering, Lee has made it a top priority to ensure all students — regardless of their majors — develop competencies in artificial intelligence (AI) and data literacy.

As part of this effort, the university rolled out a new initiative this year called "AI for All Ewha." The program aims to sharpen students’ creativity and practical skills through AI-infused instruction tailored to each major, problem-solving coursework and collaborative projects with industry partners.

"All students are required to complete AI-related coursework, whether through their major or general education," Lee said, adding that the program is structured to provide relevant training for all students and help them grow into future-ready, interdisciplinary talents.

Students in the Ewha-Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program’s Seoul Conference pose in front of the Ewha Campus Complex during an event held March 15-22. Courtesy of Ewha Womans University

Ewha is also expanding its international programs and partnerships to keep pace with a shifting global education landscape, launching initiatives that highlight the university’s distinct identity and strengths.

The university runs Korea’s first and longest-running International Summer School program, offering a dynamic platform for academic and cultural exchange between local and international students. It remains the only Korean university that co-hosts a formal academic program with Harvard University — the Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program (HUAP) since 2007 — deepening its global network through high-caliber international education.

Beyond partnerships with leading universities in developed countries, Ewha is committed to advancing global empowerment. Through its Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP), the university provides full scholarships and customized leadership training to exceptional women from developing nations, broadening educational access and extending its influence worldwide.

As of February, Ewha has supported 250 women from 35 developing countries through the EGPP, offering full tuition and living expenses and helping nurture the next generation of global female leaders.

"Looking ahead, we plan to enhance Ewha's global presence by expanding international exchange programs, global internships and joint research projects," Lee said. "We will also pursue strategic partnerships with leading universities and research institutions worldwide to elevate our research and education in global stage."

In addition, the university offers a variety of scholarship programs to attract top international talent, including merit-based awards linked to Korean language proficiency and a scholarship covering 75 percent of tuition for one year for international students pursuing science and engineering majors.

Through these initiatives, the university aims to provide tangible support for talented international students with strong research potential in the short term, while fostering their growth into key players in global knowledge networks that connect their home countries, Korea and the international community in the long-term.

A group photo of international students enrolled in the Ewha Global Partnership Program / Courtesy of Ewha Womans University

Strengthening science to compete globally

Despite its standing as a leading women’s university, Ewha has faced challenges in university ranking indicators. In response, the university is working to strengthen its global reputation management system.

To strengthen its global competitiveness, the university established the Office of University Strategy, a unit reporting directly to the president and tasked with systematically managing and analyzing key performance indicators. The office aims to enhance research and educational outcomes while raising the university’s profile and credibility in major international rankings and academic networks.

Furthermore, acknowledging the growing importance of research output and science and engineering competitiveness in global rankings, Ewha is stepping up efforts to strengthen its record as a research-focused university. The school is establishing specialized research institutes under its central administration and investing in the development of a world-class research ecosystem.

"The significance of having a president from a science and technology background goes beyond a particular discipline," Lee said. "It reflects the spirit of the times, calling for a new role and vision for universities in an era shaped by rapid scientific and technological change."

An aerial view of Ewha Womans University campus / Courtesy of Ewha Womans University

Compared to the university’s 139-year history, Ewha’s track record in science and engineering is relatively short, with the school traditionally known for its strengths in the humanities and social sciences. Lee emphasized that enhancing the university’s strength in science and technology, along with building a globally competitive research environment, is a key strategic priority.

To strengthen its global research competitiveness, the university is set to launch the Ewha Global Excellence Program (EGEP), a major new initiative designed to boost research capacity across all academic disciplines. The program will provide significant financial and institutional support to interdisciplinary research teams with the goal of producing internationally recognized outcomes.

EGEP will offer two distinct tracks — one for natural sciences, engineering and medicine, and another for humanities, social sciences and the arts — reflecting the unique needs of each field. Selected teams will receive up to 5 billion won ($3.6 million) per year, with core funding guaranteed for a minimum of two years.

Lee noted that rapid advancements in AI, big data, biotechnology and climate change are driving an era of unprecedented technological transformation — one that demands fundamental innovation in higher education. Building on its legacy as a leader in women’s higher education, Ewha is now aiming to become a hub for transdisciplinary collaboration across science and technology, the humanities, social sciences and the arts.

"Ewha will move beyond being a university for women and strengthen its identity as a university where women become leaders," Lee said.

Graphic by Bae So-young