Dongguk University Medical Center MOU, Boosting Western Busan's Medical Infrastructure
Smart General Hospital, Advancing Toward a Global Residential Environment
A university hospital will be established in the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone. This development, which realizes the long-cherished goal of attracting advanced medical facilities after more than 20 years, marks a turning point for improving residential conditions and advancing toward becoming a global city.
On June 19, the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Busan City Hall with Busan Metropolitan City, Dongguk University, and MKAAH Co., Ltd. for the development of a complex medical town. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Subul, President of Buddhist Newspaper, and Yoon Jaewoong, President of Dongguk University.
This agreement represents the first successful case of attracting a medical institution in the 21 years since the opening of the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone. Although efforts had been made to attract medical infrastructure by engaging with leading hospitals both domestically and internationally, there had been no tangible results due to legal restrictions under the Medical Service Act and uncertainties regarding investment profitability. The Free Economic Zone Authority continued strategic environmental development and practical administrative consultations with Dongguk University, which led to this achievement.
The Dongguk University Medical Center to be established will be a general hospital equipped with a smart hospital system. It is known to have strengths in advanced medical fields such as cancer treatment and organ transplantation. The Free Economic Zone Authority plans to address the region’s medical service gap through the establishment of the medical center and accelerate the creation of a complex featuring preventive medicine and digital healthcare.
With this foundation, foreign-invested company officials, expatriate families, and global talent will be able to receive stable medical services locally. This is expected to enhance the quality of the residential environment, along with the attraction of foreign educational institutions and cultural facilities. In addition, a British international school and a cultural village are being developed nearby.
Park Sungho, Commissioner of the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority, stated, "Until now, we have focused on building industrial and logistics infrastructure, but healthcare has remained an unresolved issue. With the attraction of this medical center, the city has achieved greater completeness."
He added, "We also plan to actively pursue cooperation with foreign medical institutions, the clustering of bio and medical companies, and the integration of medical tourism in the future."
The Free Economic Zone Authority plans to work closely with Dongguk University Medical Center to finalize the hospital site, secure permits, provide infrastructure support, and reflect local residents’ needs step by step until the hospital opens.
A business agreement for the development of Myeongji Complex Medical Town is being conducted at Busan City Hall.
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