@article{ART003194194},
author={Kim, Jin-hyouk},
title={Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s},
journal={The Review of Korean History},
issn={1225-133X},
year={2025},
number={157},
pages={341-380}
TY - JOUR
AU - Kim, Jin-hyouk
TI - Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s
JO - The Review of Korean History
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 157
PB - The Historical Society Of Korea
SP - 341
EP - 380
SN - 1225-133X
AB - This study examines the dispatch of South Korean physicians to Uganda in the 1960s as a foundational case in the development of Korea’s medical diplomacy. Initiated in 1964, the deployment occurred at the intersection of global Cold War dynamics, the diplomatic rivalry between the two Koreas, and Uganda’s acute shortage of medical personnel following its independence. As the first instance of South Korea sending medical professionals abroad, the Uganda case marked a significant departure from Korea’s traditional status as an aid recipient, highlighting a strategic shift in its foreign policy toward active engagement with newly independent African states.
The Uganda dispatch differed notably from later deployments under Korea’s formal medical assistance programs. First, it was based on Uganda’s official request and financial support, distinguishing it from subsequent government-funded initiatives. Second, the scale of deployment was exceptional, with dozens of South Korean doctors stationed in Uganda over the years, far surpassing the numbers sent to other African countries. This suggests that beyond diplomatic considerations, practical goals such as service provision and economic return were also central. Lastly, the dispatched physicians served under Ugandan civil service contracts, underscoring the character of labor export rather than technical assistance. Therefore, the Uganda case should not only be seen as the starting point of Korean medical diplomacy, but also as a strategic experiment wherein non-military, non-economic tools were mobilized to expand Korea’s international presence and soft power in the Global South.
KW - Dispatch of Doctors;Medical Diplomacy;Uganda;Africa;Military Government;Inter-Korean Competition;Kim Chong-han;Song Hyung-nai
DO -
UR -
ER -
Kim, Jin-hyouk. (2025). Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s. The Review of Korean History, 157, 341-380.
Kim, Jin-hyouk. 2025, "Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s", The Review of Korean History, no.157, pp.341-380.
Kim, Jin-hyouk "Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s" The Review of Korean History 157 pp.341-380 (2025) : 341.
Kim, Jin-hyouk. Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s. 2025; 157 : 341-380.
Kim, Jin-hyouk. "Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s" The Review of Korean History no.157(2025) : 341-380.
Kim, Jin-hyouk. Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s. The Review of Korean History, 157, 341-380.
Kim, Jin-hyouk. Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s. The Review of Korean History. 2025; 157 341-380.
Kim, Jin-hyouk. Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s. 2025; 157 : 341-380.
Kim, Jin-hyouk. "Development and Significance of Korean-Ugandan Medical Diplomacy in the 1960s" The Review of Korean History no.157(2025) : 341-380.
