Consider the flags of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. They stand together at the entrance of the National Medical Center. This monument honors a unique collaboration. The National Medical Center’s story began after the Korean War. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark wanted to help Korean society. They decided to provide medical assistance.
The three Scandinavian countries joined forces. Their efforts led to a hospital for the Korean public. It was meant to operate for ten years. This joint Scandinavian project became the National Medical Center. It is in central Seoul. The hospital’s establishment involved the UN and Korean authorities. The Korean government runs the hospital today.
Scandinavian representatives discussed medical aid for Korea in 1951. Norway had NORMASH. Denmark had a hospital ship named “Jutlandia” in Incheon harbor. Sweden operated a Red Cross hospital in Busan. Scandinavian cooperation seemed logical. The initial idea was a hospital with 1,000 beds and educational opportunities.
The Scandinavian governments, the United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency, and Korean authorities considered the plan. They suggested a smaller hospital with 450 beds. It would be on the grounds of the Seoul City Hospital. UNKRA would rebuild existing facilities and construct new ones. The agreement was signed in March 1956.
The hospital aimed to improve medical services for the public. It also sought to raise overall medical standards in the war-torn country. The National Medical Center would be part of Korea’s public health system.
The agreement was initially for five years. The National Medical Center opened on October 1, 1958. Scandinavian presence was needed for longer. Another five-year agreement was signed in 1963. In 1968, the hospital was handed over to Korean authorities. However, it still received Scandinavian assistance until 1971. Since then, Korean authorities have solely operated the hospital.
During those ten years, 367 Scandinavians worked at the National Medical Center. They included doctors and nurses. There were 139 Norwegians, 134 Swedes, and 94 Danes. The hospital became a leading institution in Korea. The Scandinavian contribution fostered medical personnel exchange between Korea and Scandinavia.
Many Koreans worked at the National Medical Center. Some visited Norway for training. Many are now part of the Korea-Norway Friendship Association. They are also members of the Scandinavian Foundation. A “Scandinavian Club” still operates at the hospital. The National Medical Center stands as a testament to international cooperation. It symbolizes healing and friendship.