Status of wound management in Korea

Abstract

In spite of a period of intense economic, social, and political hardship following the Korean War, the Republic of Korea has made great strides in economic growth over the past half century, and also remarkable progress in the medical field. However, wound research has been slow to take off in South Korea. Meanwhile, as is the case in many countries in Western Europe and North America, South Korea is seeing a steady increase in its aged population. The growth in the geriatric population has in turn brought on more cases of chronic wounds. Though South Korea only began to recognize the importance of wound management in the early 2000s, it was fortunate enough to have sophisticated related industries, such as biotechnology and information technology, and brilliant, industrious, and eager wound researchers, contributing to rapid development of the field. The country has particular strengths in research for innovative cell-based treatments and products for managing wounds. Notwithstanding government policy ill-equipped to sufficiently support such advancement, better communication between experts and public officials will no doubt bring forth even more achievements in this very promising field. It is in this context that this article aims to summarize current wound management practices, research, training, product development, and government policies regarding wound management in South Korea as of the year 2017.