Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital Selected as a WHO "Health & Heritage Innovations" Institution

21 Institutions Selected from 1,175 Worldwide
Recognized for Achievements in Scientific Advancement, Standardization, and Social Contribution of Korean Medicine

Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a leading institution demonstrating innovation in science, technology, and social contribution based on traditional medicine.

On December 22, Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital announced that it had been selected as a final recipient of the "Health & Heritage Innovations" initiative, organized by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC).

Kim Haneul, Director of Busan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, is introducing Korean medicine at the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit. Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital

The selection of Health & Heritage Innovations institutions is a project that identifies leading organizations with innovative approaches among traditional medicine-related institutions worldwide. The goal is to discover and strengthen the capabilities of institutions that transcend the scientific and technological limitations of traditional medicine and contribute to the global healthcare industry. In particular, the initiative focuses on promoting health equity and developing sustainable treatments through the convergence of traditional medicine and modern technology.

This call for applications, which began in September, attracted 1,175 institutions from around the world. Of these, three institutions from each of six regions-including Europe, the Americas, and the Western Pacific-and three globally influential organizations, totaling 21 institutions, were ultimately selected. The final announcement of selected institutions was made during the second "WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit," held in New Delhi, India, from December 17 to 19. Kim Haneul, Director of Busan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital (former Director of the International Medical Center), and the hospital’s medical staff attended the event. The selected institutions will receive various forms of support from WHO, including mentoring, strengthening sustainability, and expanding global networks.

Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital was recognized for its innovation in all evaluation areas, including the scientific advancement and standardization of integrative Korean medicine treatments and the establishment of an international dissemination platform. Additionally, the hospital received high marks for its contributions to improving access to healthcare services and addressing health disparities through the expansion of global education and research, as well as ongoing social contribution activities.

In particular, Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, led by the Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute (Director Ha Inhyeok), has continuously worked on standardizing integrative Korean medicine treatments, developing clinical protocols, and researching treatment mechanisms. The hospital has published more than 290 studies in SCI(E)-level international journals, demonstrating the efficacy of Korean medicine treatments. Through these efforts, the hospital has contributed to increased patient satisfaction, reduced medical costs, and improved efficiency of medical resources, thereby enhancing the sustainability of the traditional medicine healthcare system. Furthermore, to promote the global dissemination of Korean and integrative medicine research, the hospital has launched and manages the international journal "Perspectives on Integrative Medicine (PIM)," which has an editorial board comprising representatives from all seven continents.

Additionally, through the operation of Jaseng Medical Academy (Director Yoon Youngseok), the hospital has established collaborative networks with medical institutions in several countries, including the United States and the Middle East, and has achieved results in the field of international medical education. Notably, as the only ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) accredited continuing education institution in East Asia, the hospital actively operates educational programs for overseas healthcare professionals and medical students. Next year, it plans to co-host the "Jaseng International Academic Conference (AJA 2026)" with Indiana University School of Medicine in the United States. In addition, Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital is driving digital innovation by building next-generation EMR (Electronic Medical Records) systems and introducing state-of-the-art diagnostic and testing equipment, thereby contributing to the global expansion of Korean medicine.

Moreover, Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital is at the forefront of realizing the social and cultural value of traditional medicine by carrying out diverse social contribution activities, such as providing medical and living support and scholarship programs for independence patriots, national merit recipients, and medically underserved populations.

Lee Jin-ho, Director of Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, stated, "Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital’s selection as a WHO Health & Heritage Innovations institution is a symbolic achievement that recognizes the innovation of Korean medicine on a global scale. We will continue to strive for the advancement of evidence-based Korean and integrative medicine and a sustainable future for the global healthcare industry."