[On Hansung Physicians Association]

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Public Health

Context:

• Established in December 1915 in Kyungsung (Seoul), the Hansung Physicians Association comprised Korean medical practitioners.
• It emerged in opposition to the Japanese-dominated Kyungsung Physicians Association.
• The association's formation spurred the creation of other local medical groups.

Purpose:

• To serve as a professional gathering and interest group for Korean doctors.
• To engage in social activities, including fee-free medical practice and sanitation improvement.
• To represent the interests of Korean medical practitioners during a period of Japanese colonial rule.

Summary:

• The Hansung Physicians Association functioned primarily as a social and interest group for Korean doctors, distinct from academic associations like the Chosun Medical Association (founded 1930).
• Its activities included community health initiatives and fee-free medical services.
• The association published one issue of its bulletin in August 1933 before being forcibly disbanded by the Japanese Government-General of Korea in 1941.

Impact:

• Contributed to the development of local medical associations in Korea.
• Played a role in public health and medical practice during the colonial era.
• Its history highlights the professional organization of Korean doctors under Japanese rule.