Ewha Womans University Shopping Street Seoul
A once-thriving street near Ewha Womans University, now quieter but still offering affordable fashion and K-beauty finds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More shops open, fewer crowds
Ewha Womans University Shopping Street Seoul
Best Time
More shops open, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A once-thriving street near Ewha Womans University, now quieter but still offering affordable fashion and K-beauty finds.
"Many shops have closed down and are left empty. Don’t bother coming here to shop."
Check for Store Openings
Many shops have closed; check recent reviews or visit on a weekday for better chances. :shopping_bags:
Compare Prices
Prices can be cheaper than Hongdae, but selection is reduced. Bargain if possible! :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trendy Fashion Finds
Ewha Womans University Shopping Street
Discover affordable and stylish clothing, accessories, and shoes catering to a younger demographic.
Ewha Womans University Campus
Adjacent to the shopping street
Explore the stunning, architecturally unique campus, a popular spot for photos, especially in autumn.
Cosmetics and Skincare
Various shops along the street
Browse a wide selection of Korean beauty products, often at competitive prices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Ewha's Charm
Evolving Shopping Scene
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Store Openings
Many shops have closed; check recent reviews or visit on a weekday for better chances. :shopping_bags:
Compare Prices
Prices can be cheaper than Hongdae, but selection is reduced. Bargain if possible! :moneywithwings:
Explore the Campus
Don't miss the beautiful Ewha Womans University campus, especially in fall. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Hongdae
If Ewha feels quiet, Hongdae is just two subway stops away and more bustling. :subway:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Store Openings
Many shops have closed; check recent reviews or visit on a weekday for better chances. :shopping_bags:
Compare Prices
Prices can be cheaper than Hongdae, but selection is reduced. Bargain if possible! :moneywithwings:
Explore the Campus
Don't miss the beautiful Ewha Womans University campus, especially in fall. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Hongdae
If Ewha feels quiet, Hongdae is just two subway stops away and more bustling. :subway:
Student-Focused Fashion
Find trendy, affordable clothing and accessories popular with university students. :woman_running:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ewha Womans University Shopping Street, once a vibrant hub, has seen many shops close, leading to a less bustling atmosphere. While prices can be lower than other areas, the reduced selection means visitors should manage expectations. It's often recommended to combine a visit with the more active Hongdae area.
"Not longer as happening as in 2018 when I was last here. Too many shops have closed. Things are cheaper here as compared to hongdae. But now it’s not really worth the effort to come here anymore."
Oh Zhi Jie
"I studied in Yonsei University in 2016 and I loved Ewha Shopping Streets and wanted to come back, it was so alive and full of cloth stores. Nowadays, Sinchon and Ewha areas are dead, it's a shame."
Angélica María García Gualdrón
"Visited it yesterday but most of the stores were closed. It was an empty street. We went to a tourist centre and they shared that many shops have closed due to the pandemic. They recommended us to visit Hongdae / Hongik uni which is just 2 stops away. Way more shops and really bustling!"
Melody Yeo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the Seoul Subway Line 2 to Ewha Womans University Station. The shopping street is directly accessible from Exit 2 or 3. It's also a short subway ride from other popular areas like Hongdae.
Yes, it's very close to Yonsei University and Hongdae, making it easy to combine visits. The beautiful Ewha Womans University campus itself is a major draw.
The Seoul Subway Line 2 connects Ewha Womans University Station and Hongik University Station in just two stops, making it a quick and convenient journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the shopping street is a public area and there is no entrance fee. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase.
While there's no official closing time for the street, individual shops usually open around 10 AM or 11 AM and close between 9 PM and 10 PM. However, many shops have been closing early or permanently.
No advance booking is required to visit the Ewha Womans University Shopping Street. It's an open area for exploration and shopping.
While not always advertised, some shops might offer student discounts. It's always worth asking, especially if you have a student ID from a Korean university.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Fashion
Historically, Ewha was known for trendy and affordable women's fashion, accessories, and cosmetics popular with university students. However, many shops have closed, so the selection has decreased.
Generally, yes, prices at Ewha tend to be cheaper compared to Hongdae, especially for clothing. However, the variety of stores is significantly less now.
You'll find numerous shops selling K-beauty products along the street. While specific brands might not have standalone stores, multi-brand shops offer a good selection.
While the focus is on mass-produced trendy items, you might occasionally find unique accessories or small boutiques with more distinctive pieces. The number of such shops has reduced.
It can be, especially for smaller accessories or K-beauty items. However, for a wider range of traditional Korean souvenirs, areas like Insadong might be more suitable.
📸 📸 Photography & Campus
Absolutely! The campus is renowned for its stunning modern architecture and beautiful landscaping, especially during autumn when the foliage is vibrant. It's a popular spot for photography.
The main entrance with its iconic staircase and the underground library complex are particularly photogenic. The autumn colors create a magical backdrop.
Generally, you can take photos in public areas of the campus. However, access to academic buildings or specific facilities might be restricted to students and staff.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for both the campus and the shopping street. Weekday mornings can also be less crowded for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit, consider it as a brief stop. The nearby Hongdae area offers more diverse activities that could be more family-friendly, such as street art, performances, and a wider variety of food options. Keep in mind that many shops on Ewha street have closed, so the experience might be less exciting than anticipated.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, it's important to be aware that the number of open shops has significantly decreased. While you might find good deals, the selection is not as extensive as it once was. For the best value, compare prices across the remaining stores and don't hesitate to bargain if appropriate. Combining your visit with Hongdae can offer a broader range of affordable options.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The shopping street, while less visually captivating than the campus, can offer candid street photography opportunities, capturing the youthful energy and fashion trends. However, with the recent closures, the street's visual appeal might be diminished. Aim for late afternoon for the best light on both the campus and the street.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolving Landscape of Ewha Shopping Street
Despite these changes, the street still offers a glimpse into student-centric fashion and beauty trends. You can find affordable clothing, accessories, and a good range of Korean cosmetics. The proximity to Ewha Womans University means the remaining shops often cater to a young, fashion-conscious demographic. It's advisable to go with managed expectations and perhaps focus on specific items or enjoy the experience as part of a broader Seoul exploration.
For those interested in the university itself, the Ewha Womans University campus is a must-see. Its unique, modern architecture and beautiful grounds, especially during autumn, make it a prime spot for photography. The campus offers a serene contrast to the commercial street and is easily accessible from the shopping area.
Navigating Ewha's Shopping Scene: Tips from Travelers
While the selection has decreased, prices can still be more affordable than in areas like Hongdae. It's a good idea to compare prices between shops if you're looking for specific items. For those interested in K-beauty, Ewha remains a decent place to find cosmetics and skincare products, though you might need to visit multiple stores for different brands.
Given the changes, many visitors recommend combining a visit to Ewha with nearby Hongdae. Hongdae, just two subway stops away on Line 2, offers a more vibrant and bustling shopping and entertainment scene. This way, you can experience the unique campus of Ewha and still enjoy a lively shopping atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit