Department of Kinesiology and Sports Studies Selected for ‘KUSF University Sports Legacy’
- Date2025.02.25
- 14908
The Department of Kinesiology and Sports Studies at Ewha has been selected for the ‘KUSF University Sports Legacy’ program organized by the Korea University Sports Federation (KUSF). As part of this recognition, the department received a customized commemorative plaque at an awards ceremony held on Saturday, February 22, at CGV Cheongdam Cine City Private Cinema.
KUSF has conducted the ‘University Sports Legacy’ program over the past year to uncover and expand Korea’s sports heritage, preserve university sports history and traditions that contributed to fostering athletic talent.
Ewha has been recognized for two significant historical legacy and milestones in university sports: the introduction of gymnastics into the curriculum at Ewha Haktang in 1890, and the establishment of Korea’s first university Department of Physical Education in 1945.
Around 139 years ago when Confucianism and patriarchal customs were deeply rooted in Korean society, Ewha Haktang took a pioneering approach by introducing gymnastics classes to enhance students’ physical fitness, and modifying the traditional Hanbok design, which restricted movement, by introducing the ‘jockey waist’, creating a significant impact in the Korean society.
Despite strong opposition and criticism, Ewha became the first institution in Korea to integrate physical education into its curriculum in 1890. Under the holistic education ideology—pursing Jin Sun Mi (Truth, Goodness, Beauty)—the school emphasized physical education for fostering balanced development of mind and body. Following this tradition, in 1945, Ewha became the first university in Korea to establish a Department of Physical Education, producing numerous female athletes and leading the way in Korea’s sports education.