미국남장로교 한국선교부의 전남지역 의료선교(1898∼1940)

Abstract

This study examined medical mission carried out by Southern Presbyterian Church of USA in Korea in South Jeolla Province during the Great Korean Empire period and the Japanese colonial period. The medical mission was initiated in Mokpo, Gwangju and Suncheon, the stations of Southern Presbyterian Church, in 1898, 1905 and 1913 respectively, and led by French Memorial Hospital, Graham Memorial Hospital and Alexander Memorial Hospital respectively. The hospitals contributed to improving patient treatment and public health in the province where modern medical facilities were scarce. They paid special attention to offering free medical services to people neglected by society and people living in islands. Koreans, along with missionaries, played an important role in conducting medical mission. Korean doctors, including Oh Geung-seon in Mokpo, Choi Yeong-uk in Gwangju, and Jeong Min-gi in Suncheon, participated in the mission. Furthermore, Korean nurses, assistants and staff also contributed a lot to the mission. Unfortunately, French Memorial Hospital in Mokpo and Alexander Memorial Hospital in Suncheon do not exist today. But Graham Memorial Hospital in Gwangju still exists, though its name has been changed into Gwangju Christian Hospital.