Severance Hospital, located in Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, is one of South Korea’s oldest and most prestigious university hospitals, deeply rooted in over 140 years of medical history and innovation. Founded in 1885 as the first Western-style medical institution in Korea, it has grown into a world-class tertiary medical center affiliated with Yonsei University College of Medicine, delivering comprehensive clinical care, advanced research and education.

A Tradition of Excellence

Severance Hospital began as Chejungwon, Korea’s first Western hospital, and was later renamed after a major benefactor, Louis H. Severance. Since merging with Yonsei University in 1957, it has developed into a major pillar of the Yonsei University Health System — an integrated network of medical facilities that includes multiple specialized hospitals, an International Health Care Center, a Rehabilitation Hospital, Cancer Center, Cardiovascular Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Eye Hospital and more.

Today, the hospital’s campuses collectively support thousands of beds, treat millions of patients annually, and serve as a major referral center for complex medical care.

Comprehensive Specialized Care

Severance Hospital offers a full spectrum of clinical services across numerous specialties, including:

• Cancer Care: Comprehensive treatment covering screening, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and survivorship support through dedicated cancer centers.
• Heart Health: World-class cardiovascular services including coronary surgery, arrhythmia management and advanced structural interventions.
• Pediatrics: Dedicated pediatric care at the Children’s Hospital with services ranging from newborn care to adolescent health.
• Rehabilitation & Robotics: Cutting-edge rehabilitation programs supported by robotic technologies for stroke, brain and spinal injury recovery.
• Robotic Surgery & Minimally Invasive Procedures: Extensive experience with robot-assisted surgeries that minimize scarring and improve outcomes.

Severance also emphasizes innovation and quality, being one of the first Korean hospitals to receive Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and continuously updating its clinical protocols to meet global standards.

International Patient Services

The International Health Care Center at Severance supports patients from around the world with services such as multilingual interpretation (English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and more), guidance with visa physicals, immunizations and assistance coordinating treatment plans — making it a trusted choice for overseas visitors seeking advanced medical care in Korea.

Education, Research & Innovation

As part of the Yonsei University Health System, Severance Hospital also serves as a major academic hub, training future healthcare leaders and participating in ongoing medical research. Its commitment to education ensures that practitioners are at the forefront of clinical excellence, continuously integrating new medical knowledge and techniques into patient care.

Accessibility & Community Impact

Located in a vibrant area of Seoul near subway stations such as Sinchon Station (Line 2) and Dongnimmun Station (Line 3), Severance Hospital is easily reachable for patients throughout the city and beyond. It remains a crucial part of Seoul’s healthcare infrastructure, offering emergency services, preventive health programs and specialized treatments that touch millions of lives each year.