Jae Joong Won is founded in 1885, and known as the first Western medical institution in Korea. After Jae Joong Won, a lot of Western Hospital started to build in Korea.

Establishment from Gwanghyewon

In 1885 (Go-Jong 85) during Gapshin Coup, nephew of Go Jong’s Wife (Myung Sung Empress), Min Young Yik almost got killed by opposed power. Go-Jong tried to find doctor for him, and Horace Newton Allen saved him. Horace Newton Allen was American Presbyterian Church’s missionary, and studied medicine at University of Miami School. Go Jong got interested in Western medicine, so Go Jong appointed Allan as leading doctor, and helped him to establish the Western Hospital, Kwang Hae Won on Feb 29th. Kwang Hae Won was placed in Jae dong, Seoul.

Development to Jae Joong Won

In 1885 march 12th, same year that Kwang Hae Won had built, Kwang Hae Won changed its name to Jae Joong Won. In 1886 March, Jae Joong Won selected 16 students to study Western Medicine. This is known as first Western style education system. 12 of 16 students successfully became a doctor.

Development to Severance Hospital

1893, Oliver R. Avison, the professor of University of Toronto became fourth director of Jae Joong Won. In 1899, L.H. Severance, businessman in Cleveland, USA donated large amount of money to Jae Joong Won. Jae Joong Won built new hospital and institutional place in front of Sung rae moon, and changed their name to Severance School in 1909. However, in 1942, Japanese forced Severance Hospital and Medical School to change their name to Asahi Medical School. After the independence, they changed their name to Severance Medical School.

Directors of Hospital

1. Horace Newton Allen (Horace Newton Allen, 안련) - 1885 March to 1887 September

2. John Heron (John W. Heron, 헤론) - 1887 September to 1890 July

3. Charles Vinton (Charles C. Vinton 빈돈) - 1891 April to 1893 November

4. Oliver Avison (Oliver.R. Avison, 비신) - November 1893 ~ 1904?

Significance of Jae Joong Won in Korea

Since Jae Joong Won was the first Western Medical School and Hospital, a lot of old Koreans did not believe and trust them as doctor. Also, Korean thought that Western medicine would not work, so Jae Joong Won had a lot of troubles at first time. However, because of James Allen’s good leadership and other directors’ effort, Jae Joong Won could become better hospital and everyone started to go to get medicine.

Popular culture

Because Jae Joong won got so much fame, people started to look for more information about Kwang Hae won and Jae Joong Won. Because of people’s interest, MBC one of Korea’s most famous broadcasting system made soap opera called, “Jae Joong Won”. This soap opera was very successful and because of this drama, a lot people realized about Jae Joong Won and Severance Hospital. This drama explained vividly the life of Jae Joong Won student.