In the late 19th century, a turbulent time of political intrigue and burgeoning Western thought, Korea, the Hermit Kingdom, was struggling against Japanese expansionism. The last ruling royals were of the Yi Dynasty. It was then that modern medicine began, when Dr. Horace N. Allen, a Protestant missionary doctor from the Presbyterian Missions in New York, arrived in Seoul.

In December of 1884, Allen was given the singular opportunity of saving the life of the powerful Queen Min's nephew. In gratitude, at the behest of King Kojong, the Royal Hospital Kwang Hye Won, which means, "House of Extended Grace" was founded. Soon after, this was renamed Che Jung Won - "Universal Helpfulness," The King appointed Allen as head of the hospital, and Charles C. Vinton and Oliver R. Avison successfully carried on his work. Allen and his colleague, J. W Heron went further, establishing a medical school in 1886. They named it Che Jung Won Medical School - the basis for modern medical education in Korea....