Earlier this month, Dongduk Women’s University became the epicenter of a national debate when over 1,000 students protested against discussions to transition the institution to a co-educational model. At the heart of the unrest is a perceived lack of transparency in decision-making, highlighting tensions between preserving the historical mission of women’s universities and adapting to South Korea’s demographic and financial realities.

This debate is not just about Dongduk. It reflects broader societal issues as supporters of co-education argue for practical and financial viability, while critics warn that such shifts could erode the unique identity of women-only institutions in a society where gender inequality persists.

The stakes are high, as the outcome may set a precedent for similar institutions facing comparable pressures across the country.

LEGACY OF WOMEN’S UNIVERSITIES

Women’s universities in South Korea have historically been instrumental in advancing gender equity. The founding of Ewha Womans University in 1886 marked the beginning of an era when women, who were largely excluded from education, found dedicated spaces for academic and professional growth.

These institutions provided an environment free from gender-based discrimination, fostering leadership and confidence among female students.

Today, only seven four-year women-only universities remain in South Korea, down from more than 20 at their peak. According to the Ministry of Education, these institutions have consistently produced graduates who excel in fields like the humanities and social sciences. Experts argue that they remain vital in a society still grappling with pervasive gender biases.

“Women’s universities are transformative spaces,” Kwon-Kim Hyun-young, director of the Women’s Reality Research Institute, told Korea Pro. “They provide not only safe environments but also opportunities for women to thrive and lead.”

Women’s universities have also played a critical role in creating a pipeline of female leaders in South Korea, a country where women’s representation in politics, corporate leadership and academia remains disproportionately low.

However, the declining number of such institutions signals their vulnerability. The demographic crisis, characterized by a record low birth rate of 0.7 children per woman in 2024, has significantly reduced student enrollment, creating financial strains that threaten their survival.

A sign that reads “Withdraw the discussion on Co-ed transition” in front of Dongduk Women’s University | Image: Korea Pro

DEMOGRAPHIC AND FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

South Korea’s demographic decline poses a profound challenge to its higher education system. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of students pursuing higher education fell by over 158,000, forcing institutions to compete for a shrinking pool of applicants.

This trend has led to the closure of 15 universities and colleges over the past decade, with more expected to follow.

Private universities like Dongduk are particularly vulnerable. Financial sustainability has become a pressing concern, and the inclusion of male students is viewed by some as a necessary step to maintain competitiveness.

Dongduk’s Vision 2040 Task Force identified co-education as one of several strategies to secure the institution’s future, but this proposal has drawn backlash from students who see it as a betrayal of the university’s foundational mission.

“Dongduk has always been about empowering women through education. This transition feels like it’s stripping away that legacy,” said Naran, a representative of Dongduk’s student body.

The financial pressures facing women’s universities are not unique to South Korea. In the U.S., institutions like Notre Dame of Maryland University transitioned to co-education in 2023 to address similar challenges, sparking debates about balancing economic viability with preserving institutional missions.

Unlike South Korea, however, U.S. women’s colleges often enjoy access to greater private funding, leaving local institutions with fewer alternatives.

THE CASE FOR CO-EDUCATION

Proponents of co-education argue that the move aligns with modern gender equality ideals and better prepares students for real-world workplaces. A recent survey by Searchtongfound that almost 64% of respondents supported co-education at women’s universities, citing the need for practical reforms.

Advocates also highlight financial benefits. “Institutions, especially private ones, need to survive and succeed in the education market,” Mikyong Minsun Kim, an associate professor of higher education at George Washington University, told Korea Pro.

She noted that co-education has become the global norm, with only a handful of prestigious institutions able to sustain single-sex models.

Supporters believe that transitioning to co-education could help struggling institutions like Dongduk remain competitive, ensuring their survival in a challenging economic climate.

Additionally, proponents argue that co-education fosters collaboration between genders, which is essential for workplace success. By exposing students to diverse perspectives during their formative years, proponents believe, co-education better prepares graduates for the challenges of professional and social life.

The phrase “Democratic Dongduk” spray painted on a building at Dongduk Women’s University | Image: Korea Pro

RISKS OF CO-EDUCATION

However, critics warn that co-education risks eroding the unique identity of women-only universities and undermining their broader societal role. Studies show that women in co-educational settings often face male-dominated environments that hinder their academic participation and self-confidence.

“Women’s universities counter systemic discrimination by fostering leadership and confidence,” said Kwon-Kim of the Women’s Reality Research Institute, arguing that the loss of these spaces would be immeasurable.

Safety concerns further complicate the debate. During the Dongduk protests, threats of violence against women surfaced online, including a now-deleted post featuring an image of an ax and a chilling message hinting at violence against the university’s female students.

Other incidents, such as break-ins and voyeurism on campus, spotlight the persistent risks women face in co-educational environments.

In 2024 alone, over 800 deepfake-related crimes were reported in South Korea, disproportionately targeting women.

GENDER POLITICS AND SOCIETAL TENSIONS

The debate has reignited broader conversations about gender politics in South Korea. While supporters of co-education frame it as a step toward inclusivity, detractors view it as a concession to financial pressures that fail to address underlying gender inequalities.

Political figures have also weighed in. Minor conservative Reform Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok criticized the protests at Dongduk Women’s university, dismissing them as “illegitimate” and grounded in “radical feminism.” His comments sparked backlash from feminist groups and student councils, further polarizing the discussion.

The student body of Hanyang Women’s University expressed solidarity with Dongduk, emphasizing the importance of preserving spaces free from misogyny.

“In a society rife with hate crimes against women, spaces where women can act independently without gender discrimination are crucial — and women’s universities provide precisely such environments. Simply by existing, women’s universities create spaces where women can act without fear of discrimination or constraint,” their statement read.

Posters protesting the transition to a co-ed institution are taped in front of the main gate at the Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul | Image: Korea Pro

IMPLICATIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

The challenges facing Dongduk Women’s University mirror broader systemic issues in South Korea’s higher education sector. The demographic crisis, coupled with financial pressures, has forced institutions to make difficult choices that often prioritize short-term survival over long-term missions.

For policymakers, the debate raises critical questions about how to balance financial sustainability with preserving the societal value of women-only universities. These institutions must either find ways to adapt to changing demographics or secure targeted support to ensure their continued contribution to gender equity and leadership development.

Policymakers must also weigh how the potential decline of women-only institutions might affect South Korea’s global image as a leader in gender equity. Internationally, these universities are seen as critical spaces for advancing women’s rights in education, and their erosion could undermine South Korea’s progress in addressing gender disparities.

For Dongduk, this debate is a reflection of the larger struggle to reconcile tradition with the realities of modern society. As institutions face mounting pressures, the question is not simply whether they will survive, but what they will stand for in the years to come.

Whether through targeted funding, innovative partnerships or reimagined missions, the future of women-only universities will hinge on their ability to balance tradition with modernization.

Edited by John Lee