Established in 1975, Providing Medical Services and Community Healthcare Welfare
Pioneering Hospice and Palliative Care, Improving Public Awareness
On May 19, the Ponyjung Foundation announced that it has selected Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center, which has continued its medical welfare work for 50 years by operating a clinic, pharmacy, welfare center, hospice, and local children's center, as the recipient of the 19th "Ponyjung Innovation Award."
The Ponyjung Foundation has selected "Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center" as the recipient of the 19th "Ponyjung Innovation Award." In the first row of the photo, from the fourth person on the left: social worker Songja Yoo, director Hyunjung Bae, nurse Youngja Kim, pharmacist Sohee Choi, nurse Guiyeop Kang, and social worker Hyeyoung Choi. Provided by the Ponyjung Foundation.
Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center was established in 1975 in Siheung-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, at the recommendation of the late Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan. The name "Jeon Jin Sang" embodies the core values of the International Catholic Fraternity (A.F.I): total self-dedication (Jeon), true love (Jin), and constant joy (Sang). The institution is led by director Hyunjung Bae (Marie Helene Brasseur) from Belgium, pharmacist Sohee Choi, and social worker Songja Yoo, all of whom are members of the Fraternity.
As the need for a resident physician increased, director Hyunjung Bae transferred to Chung-Ang University College of Medicine in 1981 and obtained her board certification in family medicine in 1988, enabling more stable medical services. In 1998, the center began providing home hospice care, and in 2008, it opened Seoul's first specialized hospice and palliative care institution. The center helps patients suffering from incurable diseases spend meaningful time with their families without losing their dignity. Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center is recognized for playing a crucial role in introducing and establishing the hospice system in Korea.
The 50-year commitment of Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center to medical welfare has paralleled improvements in Korea's social welfare system and public awareness. By inviting volunteer doctors from outside, the center opened a free clinic, began home visits for severely ill patients with mobility issues, provided medical and living expense support for those in need, and operated free kindergartens and study rooms, offering systematic support that has helped it grow into a comprehensive welfare institution serving marginalized neighbors in all aspects of life.
The award ceremony will be held on June 12 at Ponyjung Hall on the first floor of the I-Park Tower in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Chairman Monggyu Chung stated, "Jeon Jin Sang Clinic and Welfare Center has devoted itself for half a century to building a community welfare system centered on medical support, as well as scholarships for children and youth, living assistance, and volunteer training, in order to provide welfare services and a dignified life to marginalized neighbors in our society."
The Ponyjung Innovation Award was established in 2006, named after the nickname of the late Seyoung Chung, honorary chairman of HDC Group (formerly Hyundai Development Company) and founder of Hyundai Motor Company. The award grants 200 million won and a plaque to individuals or organizations whose innovative thinking has brought about positive social change or whose achievements serve as exemplary models for society.
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