Current status of endoscopy training for surgeons in Korea: a narrative review

Flexible gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a fundamental skill in surgical practice, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for a wide range of GI diseases. In Korea, the incidence estimates for gastric and colorectal cancers rank among the highest worldwide, underscoring the critical need for well-trained endoscopists. Surgeons play a pivotal role in managing GI diseases, reinforcing the necessity of systematic and comprehensive endoscopic education. This paper reviews the status of surgical endoscopy education in Korea, focusing on its historical evolution, structured training programs for residents and fellows, certification processes, and continuing medical education initiatives. Despite significant advancements led by organizations such as the Korean Surgical Society, challenges persist, including disparities in training opportunities across institutions and limited access to advanced therapeutic endoscopy. To address these issues, strategic recommendations include standardizing educational curricula, optimizing residency workloads for dedicated endoscopy training, enhancing simulation-based education through high-fidelity simulators and artificial intelligence, and fostering international collaboration to encourage global best practices. Implementing these strategies will strengthen Korea's GI endoscopy education system, ensuring that future surgeons are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of patient care.