요셉의원

The Joseph Clinic is a non-profit medical institution in Seoul that operates under the auspices of the Caritas SEOUL of the Archdiocese of Seoul. Our mission is to provide compassionate care to the underserved and marginalized members of society, including the poor, sick, alienated and abandoned.

The clinic operates solely on private donations, without any financial support from the local or national government.

The late Sunwoo Kyung-shik played a pivotal role in establishing the Joseph Clinic in Shillim-dong on August 29th, 1987. He served as the clinic's first director and was instrumental in developing its philosophy of “Caring for the poor and helpless patients with the love of Christ and providing the best assistance for their self-support.” In 1997, the clinic relocated to its current building in Yeongdeungpo. On August 29th, 2022, we proudly celebrated our 35th anniversary of operation, continuing our mission to provide compassionate care to those in need.

The Joseph Clinic offers medical and dental services across 20 different specialties. On average, the clinic provides free medical treatment to approximately 100 patients per day, which equates to roughly 24,000 patients annually. Additionally, the clinic offers free prescriptions and medication to those in need.

In addition to medical care, the clinic offers a variety of other services and programs, such as music therapy for mental health, alcohol dependence counseling and legal services. It also provides basic necessities such as food sharing, baths, clothing and haircuts, and offers temporary shelter to those in need.

In January 2013, the Joseph Clinic established the Philippines Joseph Clinic in Malabon City, Philippines, with the aim of extending its mission of “providing the best free medical care to the poor” overseas.

The Joseph Clinic relies on approximately 130 volunteer doctors and medical specialists, providing exclusively outpatient care services.

In the event that a patient requires urgent medical services or hospitalization, the clinic refers them to nearby hospitals within its network to ensure they receive the best possible treatment.

Medical Specialties

The Joseph Clinic offers a wide range of medical specialties, including internal medicine (gastroenterology, pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology, and nephrology), psychiatry, dermatology, general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, otolaryngology, urology, ophthalmology, radiology, rehabilitation medicine and physical therapy, pain clinic, oriental medicine and dentistry. Additionally, the clinic provides diagnostic laboratory, radiography, gastroscopy (non-sleep) and ultrasound services. CT scans and MRIs are referred to hospitals within our network.

Please note that the availability of treatment departments may vary depending on the availability of medical staffs. For specific details, please check the doctors' schedule.

Operating Hours

Day time : 13:00~17:00 Evening time : 19:00~21:00 Break time : 15:00~15:30 Receipt time : until 20:00

Eligible Persons

Homeless Those without medical insurance Refugees and illegal aliens who have been in the country for over 3 months Other patients left out in the medical welfare coverage

Patients who wish to be seen by a doctor at the Joseph Clinic must first confirm their eligibility at the social services office on the first floor during the hours of 13:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.

Treatment Procedure

• The patient
  visits the clinic
  and has their
  first consultation

• The patient is
  referred to the
  appropriate
  specialty

• The patient
  undergoes a
  basic
  examination

• Treatment
  commences
  based on the
  results of the
  examination.

Music Therapy Art Therapy Film Screening Library Food Sharing Support for patients with chronic illness
(nutritional supplements/nutritious meal) Visiting the nearby shantytown
(to engage in conversations and provide consultation services to the residents) Providing daily essentials
(clothing, underwear, shoes, etc.) Providing bathing and hair cutting services Organizing Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings Providing consultations for individuals with alcohol dependence Offering legal advice Providing funeral services for individuals who pass away without any surviving family members

Mokdong House is a halfway house that provides temporary housing for patients who have nowhere to go or require ongoing outpatient treatment. The facility offers free short-term housing for individuals in need, typically for a duration of one to six months.

< Late Director Sunwoo Kyung-shik >

Dr. Sunwoo Kung-shik, the late first director of the Joseph Clinic, graduated from Catholic University's School of Medicine. He completed his medical training in New York and later served as the chairman of the department of internal medicine at a general hospital in Seoul. During this time, while providing medical services at a free weekend clinic in the poverty-stricken hillside area of Shillim-dong, he felt a great need to establish a permanent medical facility for the poor.

In 1987, Dr. Sunwoo Kung-shik helped establish the Joseph Clinic in Shillim-dong and became its director. Despite doubts from many who questioned the sustainability of a free clinic and predicted it wouldn't last for more than 3 months, Dr. Sunwoo worked alongside like-minded individuals who shared his vision. He led the Joseph Clinic for 21 years, sharing in the joys and sorrows of the poor and neglected neighbors until his passing in April 2008.

Dr. Sunwoo, a devout Catholic, passed away on April 18th, 2008, after dedicating his life to treating and helping the underprivileged and needy. He never married, but instead focused his energy on serving others through his work at the Joseph Clinic. Dr. Sunwoo was known as the "Schweitzer of Yeongdeungpo" for his selfless dedication to those in need.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Dr. Sunwoo was posthumously awarded the Honor of Civil Merit and the Camellia Medal by the government. These honors serve as a testament to his dedication and hard work in serving the poor, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.