Jejungwon, Korea’s 1st Western-style hospital, recreated as block-play set for 140th anniversary

Yonsei University Health System (YUHS) has unveiled a historical block-play set to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Jejungwon, Korea's first Western-style hospital. This project was created in collaboration with toy company Oxford Co., Ltd., meticulously recreating Jejungwon -- the origin of Severance Hospital -- as a block model.

Measuring 43cm wide, 33cm deep, and 9cm high, the model consists of 634 pieces and is designed to be easily assembled by anyone aged 8 and older. Accurately reflecting Jejungwon's exterior and structure, it allows users to experience the beginnings of modern Korean medicine and its historical significance.

It also includes figurines of Dr. Horace N. Allen, the first director of Jejungwon; Dr. Oliver R. Avison, who laid the foundation for today's Severance Hospital and Yonsei University; and American philanthropist Louis H. Severance.

The Jejungwon block-play set carefully reproduces the intricate designs of roof tiles, wooden latticework, pillars, and eaves, effectively capturing the characteristics of an early modern hospital building. The interior space symbolically represents key medical areas such as the surgery room, consultation room, and operating room, making it easier for children and parents assembling the set to understand the hospital's structure. The instruction manual includes the history of Jejungwon along with biographical introductions of Allen, Avison, and Severance.

Keum Ki-chang, president and CEO of YUHS, said, “Jejungwon transcends being a mere hospital; it marks the beginning of Western medicine in Korea and is a vital heritage embodying the history of Yonsei University and Severance Hospital. We hope this historical block-play set will widely disseminate Jejungwon's founding spirit and traditions, allowing us to share its value with the public.”

Meanwhile, the Jejungwon block-play set is non-commercial and will be provided as a commemorative gift to those who participated in the fundraising for the “Jejungwon Brand Development Fund” recently established by YUHS. The fund aims to highlight the value of Korea's modern medical cultural heritage and will be used for various activities to document and preserve the history connecting Jejungwon to today's YUHS.

Donations to the Jejungwon Brand Development Fund can be made via the link or QR code below.

Link: https://secure.donus.org/severance/pay/step1_direct?dontype=DYAD21&theme=DYAD21