The Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA) said Friday that it is launching a digital history museum and archive project to digitize the history of the Korean pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in celebration of its 80th anniversary.

The project aims to systematically organize the 128-year history of the Korean pharmaceutical industry since the establishment of Dongwha Pharmacy (now Dongwha Pharmaceutical) in 1897. In addition to the digital history museum, the association will also promote a storybook of domestically developed new drugs, a white paper on drug advertising, the production of 80 years of history, and the creation of an exhibition hall in the association building.

The digital history museum will be built by a specialized company, Siha CNC. It will consist of an industry hall, an association hall, and an archive. The archive includes industry-related materials, including literature, photos, videos, and advertisements. The 80-year history will be produced in digital form (e-book), and a limited number of physical copies will be published.

The association has invited its 299 member companies to submit historical materials, which will be collected until March 7. It also plans to ask media companies, academic institutions, pharmacy schools, and others to donate or lend materials.

“As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the association this year, we will systematically organize the historical achievements of the industry and the association and actively communicate with members and the public based on them,” KPBMA President Noh Yun-hong said.