The Evolution of Doctors & South Korea’s Healthcare System
A new book by Hwang Sang-ik traces the history of South Korea’s physician licensing system, prompting renewed scrutiny of the nation’s medical infrastructure and the evolving role of doctors within society.
Published by Hanul M Plus, the book examines the origins of the “doctor” profession, detailing the criteria and procedures established for its creation. It questions the foundational principles of a system that has long been considered a cornerstone of public health, and assesses its ongoing reliability and public benefit. The research positions the state’s granting of medical licenses and investment in medical education as a response to the understanding that healthcare is a public service essential for maintaining community well-being.
According to a review published in Kyosu Shinmun, the book situates this development within a broader international context, referencing the work of Rudolf Virchow and the 1858 Medical Act in the United Kingdom. These historical precedents, the book argues, demonstrate a global recognition of the physician’s role as a social advocate for the health of vulnerable populations, rather than simply a skilled technician.
South Korea currently operates a dual medical system, requiring individuals aspiring to practice medicine to graduate from a medical school or medical graduate school and then pass the national medical exam to receive a license, as outlined by Namu Wiki. This system mirrors practices in many countries, including the United States.
The Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute (KHPLEI) confirms that to legally practice medicine in South Korea, individuals must graduate from an accredited domestic medical school or medical graduate school and successfully complete the national medical exam, receiving a license from the Minister of Health and Welfare. The KHPLEI as well notes that graduates of foreign medical schools may be eligible to accept the Korean medical exam, but only if their institution is recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
The KHPLEI defines the role of a physician as contributing to the improvement of national health and the maintenance of healthy lifestyles through medical practice and public health guidance. Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses, conduct examinations, and develop treatment plans in consultation with patients. They also provide medical counseling and engage in medical research to advance healthcare and contribute to societal development.
The KHPLEI’s current passing criteria for the medical exam require a total score of at least 60 percent across all subjects, with a minimum score of 40 percent in each individual subject. The institute has not announced any changes to these standards.