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Where there are women, there are customers. This isn't just a general description of shopping in Korea, it's an explanation as to why the streets around women's universities in Seoul are such popular shopping areas. Today, we'll be introducing you to the well-known "Women's University Shopping Districts" in Seoul! Let's take a close look at the streets surrounding these universities that are exclusive to women.

Women's University District in Seoul:
1. Ewha Womans University District

• Location: Seoul Metro Line 2, Ewha Womans University Station (이대역)

The Ewha Womans University Shopping District consists of the road from Exits 2 and 3 of the Ewha Womans University Station and the smaller alleys to the left of the road.

Once you get out of Ewha Womans University Station, you will notice there are many brand and chain cosmetic stores. If you have specific brand preferences for cosmetics, the Ewha Shopping District is the place for you!

Ewha Womans University Summary

If you're seeking to buy cosmetics, you can buy them on this road. If you walk from the station towards Ewha Womans University, towards the end of the road, there is an alley towards the left. You can buy clothes at cheap prices 

Although the lively Ewha district isn't as crowded as it had been in previous years, it's still a great place to visit. Compared to Hongdae, it's more quiet, but there are no less stores for shopping!

For young women who enjoy wearing light colors and cutesy outfits, the Ewha Shopping District is a great place to shop for clothes. You can also buy accessories popular among Korean female college students!

Food at the Ewha District: 1. Bulbap (이대불밥)

• Address: 서울 서대문구 이화여대8길 11
• Opening Hours: 10:30 - 22:00（Break Hours: 15:00 - 17:00）

When it comes to food in the Ewha Womans University District, 'Bulbap' (literally 'fire rice') is a a popular choice for many tourists. The combination of delicious chicken with fragrant chicken is one that cannot go wrong.

Just look at all the rich cheese in the pot – can't you tell how delicious this 'bulbap' will be just by looking? If you haven't tried it yet, hurry up and try! You'll want to have 'bulbap' again and again afterwards. (But the price has gone up again   )

If you like cheese, you must come to Bulbap. Be sure to order extra cheese – you will not be disappointed.

Ewha University Bulbap Experience

Food at the Ewha District: 2. Mother In Law Bagels (마더린러 베이글)

• Address: 서울 서대문구 이화여대5길 5 
• Opening Time: 08:30 - 19:30 (Weekdays); 10:00 - 19:00 (Saturdays and Holidays); Closed on Sundays
• Offer: Members can get a free cup of coffee or tea when spending ₩20,000 or more

In the Ewha Shopping District, you can find the popular gourmet bagel shop"Mother In Law Bagels". They receive orders from all around the country from people who want to taste their bagels.. 

The secret to their bagels lies in their strict policy of fermenting their dough every day and baking their dough in a traditional stove and kiln, instead of an oven. This traditional method of baking is said to be difficult for even the Jews, from whom the baking method originates, to stick to.

I really liked the Philly Cheese Steak Bagel. It was filled with plenty of meat, and the combination with the grilled onion and silky cheese was delicious. Aside from the Philly Cheese Steak, Nova (smoked salmon) Sandwich, Italian Club, and Chicken Time are also popular.

Women's University District in Seoul:
2. Sungshin Women's University District

• Location: Seoul Metro Line 4, Sungshin Women's University Station (성신여대입구역) Exit 1

You might be less familiar with Sungshin Women's University, but this is also a popular shopping area for local students. It has a different atmosphere from that of Ewha – it makes you feel like you're a local student yourself. It's difficult to describe, but you'll get the vibe when you come here yourself.

Even though this area isn't as popular for tourists, there are still many cosmetics brand stores. After all, where there are women, there are customers.

You can reach the shopping district of Sungshin Women's University by passing through this arch.

Though it may not be as popular as Ewha, Sungshin is also a great place to visit. Along the straight street of Sungshin, there are many stores waiting for customers. We recommend that you come here in the evening to visit.

If you come by around noon, you may feel like it's a little crowded or that there aren't that many businesses open. The best period to come to the Sungshin District to shop is the evening, a bit later than for Ewha.

There are many shops that sell clothes. Some of them may seem small on the outside, but when you walk down their basements, you'll find that there's more than meets the eye.

You can walk around and around Sungshin District, but there will be no end to the new discoveries. Come to Sungshin District; it will certainly exceed your expectations and provide a different kind of fun.

Food at the Sungshin District: 1. Green Pasta（그린파스타）

• Address: 서울 성북구 동소문로20길 37-24
• Opening Hours: 12:00 - 22:00

In an alley of the Sungshin District, there is an Italian restaurant that sells delicious food. Check the name of the restaurant so you don't go to the wrong place by mistake! When you walk in, you'll find that the interior of the restaurant is very cute and warm. Many people will be eating pizza and portions of pasta.

I personally recommend ordering pink sauce pasta, which is red sauce blended with white sauce. It is a delicious mix of the sweet and sour taste of red sauce and creamy flavor of white sauce.

Women's University District in Seoul:
3. Sookmyung Women's University District

• Location: Seoul Metro Line 4, Sookmyung Women's University Station (숙대입구역) Exit 9;
  Seoul Metro Line 1 Namyeong Station (남영역) Exit 1 

The third famous Women's University Shopping District to introduce in Seoul is Sookmyung Women's University Shopping District. Before going on, I must mention beforehand that the size of the shopping area is honestly much smaller than that of Ewha or Sungshin.

The shopping atmosphere is very different from Ewha and Sungshin. Instead of cosmetics or clothing, it seems to be more oriented towards restaurants and cafe. There also aren't many pedestrians on the roads.

I'm can't put my finger on it, but the shops in the Sookmyung District gave off a vibe of desolation (if you know what I mean). Compared with other districts, the scale wasn't just small, it felt like it was declining. Something seemed off.

Even though there were people and cars going around on the main road, I still felt like the street was somewhat empty, especially when I entered the alleyway. I expected it to be more crowded in the afternoon and towards the evening. 

Though Sookmyung Women's University is very close to Myeongdong and Seoul Station, I thought the students would also bring crowds over to this district. However, it seems like the crowds seem to be concentrated in Myeongdong and Seoul Station, leaving the Sookmyung Shopping District to decline. 

Food at the Sookmyung District: 1. Ilmijip（일미집감자탕）

• Address: 서울 용산구 후암로 1-1
• Opening Hours: 11:00 - 22:00

Ilimijip, which has also been introduce on several foodie TV programs, sells gamjatang (pork bone soup) which is cheap, solid, and very filling.

The soup is so delicious that you'll have finished it before you even know it. The refreshing broth and tender ribs will make you want more. If you still have room in your stomach, you can add fried rice and cook it with the remaining soup, which is also very delicious.

That's it for my introduction of the three Women's University Shopping Districts in Seoul! I've also prepared an evaluation sheet for your reference, hope this helps!

Of course, you can choose to go wherever according to your preference. If you feel like the Ewha District is a bit too much or is too crowded, you may well choose to go to Sungshin for a different experience. As for Sookmyung, you can go to taste good food.

Dear friends, see you next time!