Daehan Hospital

Gazing upon Daehan Hospital, one can almost hear the echoes of history whispering from its walls. This grand two-story brick edifice stands as a testament to a pivotal era in Korean medicine. Daehan Hospital’s story begins in 1907. The Korean Empire government, under a royal decree, commissioned its construction. The chosen location was the former site of Hamchunwon, the outer garden of Changgyeonggung Palace, imbued with royal significance. A Japanese engineer designed the building. Construction concluded swiftly in 1908. The original complex included medical wards, autopsy rooms, and a medical school. Sadly, only the main building remains today. Daehan Hospital served as a beacon of modern medicine. However, with the Japanese annexation in 1910, its name changed to the Governor General Hospital. Its role shifted again in 1911, becoming a medical training school. In 1926, it was absorbed into the University of the Gyeongseong Empire, transforming into a university hospital. Following Korea’s liberation, Daehan Hospital became the cornerstone of the Seoul National University College of Medicine. The late 1970s saw the construction of a new building. The original Daehan Hospital building transitioned into an affiliate building. Now, it serves as a research institute for Seoul National University Hospital. The architecture of Daehan Hospital offers a glimpse into the past. The building boasts symmetrical wings flanking a central front entrance, designed for vehicles to approach directly. Its hip roof is crowned by a distinctive clock tower, incorporating Baroque elements. These architectural details reveal the building’s Western influences, marking its significance in Korean architectural history. Daehan Hospital embodies a journey through time, from royal gardens to a modern medical institution. Its enduring presence reminds us of the constant evolution of medicine and architecture in Korea.