National Museum of Korean Contemporary History Releases Collection Showcasing 130 Years of Health and Medical Care

Shedding Light on the History and Significance of Health and Medical Care

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History has published Collection Volume 8, "Healthy Nation, Republic of Korea Health and Medical Care," to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation. This collection was planned to shed light on the history and significance of health and medical care, which has emerged as a core issue for the national community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Collection Volume 8 'Healthy Nation, Republic of Korea Health and Medical Care'. Provided by the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

The collection features 362 health and medical care-related items from the museum’s holdings, covering approximately 130 years of developments surrounding disease and life, from the introduction of modern medicine during the opening of Korea’s ports to the era of COVID-19. The content is organized into five themes: the adoption of modern medicine and pharmacy, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, changes in hygiene awareness and public health systems, international medical cooperation, and responses to infectious diseases.

In addition to early health and medical care materials such as Yu Giljun’s "Seoyugyeonmun" and Yu Se-hwan’s "Wisaengjeogyo," the collection also introduces everyday items, including iconic pharmaceuticals like "Bacchus-D" and "Hwalmyungsoo," as well as vaccination certificates and publicly supplied masks.

Director Han Soo stated, "I hope this collection serves as an opportunity to reflect on the history of Korea’s efforts and achievements in overcoming diseases and advancing public health," adding, "The next collection is being prepared under the theme of 'Democracy in Korea' to mark the 40th anniversary of the June Democratic Uprising in June 2027."

The collection will be distributed to national and public libraries and research institutes, and anyone can access the PDF on the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History’s website.