The National Medical Centre is a hospital situated in central Seoul. It was established after the Korean War through cooperation between Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the UN and Korean authorities. Today, the Korean government operates the hospital. Already in 1951, the Scandinavian representatives in Korea discussed the possibility of medical aid to Korea after the war. Norway had NORMASH, Denmark had a hospital ship, "Jutlandia", in harbor at Incheon, and Sweden had a Red Cross hospital in Busan. A Scandinavian cooperation was therefore logical. The original thought was to start a hospital with 1000 beds and educational opportunities.
The hospital opened October 1, 1958. It soon became clear that Scandinavian presence was required for a longer period, so an additional 5-year term agreement was signed in 1963. In 1968, the hospital was handed over to the Korean authorities, but it still received Scandinavian assistance until the year of 1971. After this date, the hospital has been operated solely by the Korean authorities. Today a small monument, with the three Scandinavian flags, is located at the entrance of the hospital where it serves as a memory of the Scandinavian cooperation and contribution.
The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Medical Centre in Seoul was held on October 25. Altogether, three Norwegian Ambassadors were present for the celebration, Mr Toralf Raa, Mr Arild Braastad and present ambassador to Korea Mr Didrik Tonseth. Also present were Doctor Arnt Jacobsen and Doctor Albert Paus from Rikshospitalet.
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