Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean government has taken a significant step towards enhancing its public healthcare system with the approval of plans to relocate and expand the National Medical Center.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Urban Planning Committee has given the green light to a proposal to construct a new state-of-the-art medical facility on the former US Army Engineer Base in Bangsan-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. The new complex will house both the relocated National Medical Center and a dedicated central infectious disease hospital.

Established in 1958, the National Medical Center has served as a cornerstone of South Korea’s healthcare system. However, the aging infrastructure of the current facility has limited its ability to meet the growing healthcare demands of the nation.

The new medical complex is set to be a massive undertaking, spanning an area of 196,172 square meters. The 15-story building will feature a total of 776 beds, including 526 general beds, 150 negative pressure beds for infectious disease patients, and 100 trauma beds.

“We are thrilled to have received approval for this crucial project,” said Jeong Tong-ryong, the government's public health policy director. “With the relocation and expansion of the National Medical Center, we aim to solidify its position as a central hub for essential healthcare services in South Korea.”

Construction of the new facility is expected to commence in 2026 and be completed by the end of 2028. The project is part of the government's broader efforts to modernize the nation's healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality medical care for all South Koreans.