History of the medical licensure system in Korea from the late 1800s to 1992

Abstract

The introduction of modern Western medicine in the late 19th century, notably through vaccination initiatives, marked the beginning of governmental involvement in medical licensure, with the licensing of doctors who performed vaccinations. The establishment of the national medical school “Euihakkyo” in 1899 further formalized medical education and licensure, granting graduates the privilege to practice medicine without additional examinations. The enactment of the Regulations on Doctors in 1900 by the Joseon government aimed to define doctor qualifications, including modern and traditional practitioners, comprehensively. However, resistance from the traditional medical community hindered its full implementation. During the Japanese colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945, the medical licensure system was controlled by colonial authorities, leading to the marginalization of traditional Korean medicine and the imposition of imperial hierarchical structures. Following liberation in 1945 from Japanese colonial rule, the Korean government undertook significant reforms, culminating in the National Medical Law, which was enacted in 1951. This law redefined doctor qualifications and reinstated the status of traditional Korean medicine. The introduction of national examinations for physicians increased state involvement in ensuring medical competence. The privatization of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination led to the establishment of the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute in 1992, which assumed responsibility for administering licensing examinations for all healthcare workers. This shift reflected a move towards specialized management of professional standards. The evolution of the medical licensure system in Korea illustrates a dynamic process shaped by the historical context, balancing the protection of public health with the rights of medical practitioners.