Top 10 News of Seoul National University Hospital in 2025
From January through December 2025, Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) Group achieved a series of landmark milestones. Below are the Top 10 News stories that defined the year. The following Top 10 News items are presented in chronological order, reflecting key milestones throughout the year rather than ranking by importance.
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2025 Highlights at a Glance - Korea’s first robot-assisted lung transplant, enabled by an advanced surgical environment |
Launch of the Healthcare AI Research Institute and Opening of the Medical AI Agent Platform “SNUH.AI”
Seoul National University Hospital officially launched its Healthcare AI Research Institute on January 23, marking a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into clinical practice to enable accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and improved quality of patient care. The institute operates through a Data Science Center and a Technology Research Center, conducting research across fields such as big data, medical imaging, biosignals, genomics, and digital pathology to develop AI-based diagnostic systems and personalized treatment solutions.
On October 29, SNUH further advanced its AI strategy with the launch of SNUH.AI, an in-house developed Medical AI Agent platform utilizing a Korean medical large language model (LLM). Integrated with the hospital information system, the platform supports real-time automated generation of electronic medical records and comprehensive patient assessment. In November, SNUH also unveiled Kmed.ai, a Korean medical-specialized LLM co-developed with NAVER, optimized for Korea’s clinical environment and enabling Q&A and AI agent development within the SNUH.AI platform.
No.1 in Brand Power for 25 Consecutive Years and No.1 in National Brand Competitiveness for 10 Consecutive Years
Seoul National University Hospital ranked first in the general hospital category for the 25th consecutive year in the 2025 Korea Brand Power Index (KBPI) survey conducted by Korea Management Association Consulting, demonstrating outstanding performance in brand awareness, image, accessibility, and preference.
SNUH was also named the top-ranked general hospital for the 10th consecutive year in the 2025 National Brand Competitiveness Index (NBCI) survey organized by the Korea Productivity Center, reaffirming its strong brand trust, patient loyalty, and leadership as a research-driven hospital.
Opening of the SNUH Boston Office
On April 14, SNUH opened the Seoul National University Hospital Global R&D Hub Center (Boston Office) in Boston, USA, launching full-scale global research collaboration and technology commercialization initiatives in advanced biotechnology.
Located in the Boston–Cambridge Innovation Center, the world’s largest biotech cluster, the office serves as SNUH’s first global base dedicated specifically to R&D and commercialization. Leveraging close proximity to leading universities, research institutions, and global biotech and pharmaceutical companies, the Boston Office is expected to accelerate global partnerships and function as a “Triangle Hub” connecting research, industry, and talent.
Advanced Surgical Environment and Korea’s First Robot-Assisted Lung Transplan
On April 25, SNUH completed a large-scale expansion and renovation of its operating rooms, increasing capacity from 41 to 52 operating rooms, including dedicated adult and pediatric suites. The upgraded facilities feature hybrid, robotic, and smart operating rooms, enabling highly integrated, image-guided procedures without patient transfer.
With this advanced surgical infrastructure, SNUH successfully performed Korea’s first robot-assisted lung transplant on June 19—a highly complex procedure conducted at only a limited number of institutions worldwide—further strengthening its position as a leader in advanced surgical care.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Seoul National University Baegot Hospital Project
On September 29, SNUH held a groundbreaking ceremony for Seoul National University Baegot Hospital in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province. Scheduled to open in 2029, the hospital will operate 27 clinical departments with 800 beds, including specialized centers for cancer and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
The new hospital aims to address unmet healthcare needs in southwestern Gyeonggi Province while advancing AI-based clinical services, telemedicine networks, and smart hospital systems. Integrated with nearby academic and bio-industrial complexes, the facility is expected to serve as a future-oriented, high-tech medical hub.
Commemorating the 140th Anniversary of Jejungwon, the 47th Anniv ersary of Incorporation, and the 40th Anniversary of SNU Children’s Hospital
On October 14, SNUH held a commemorative ceremony marking the 140th anniversary of Jejungwon-Korea’s first modern hospital, whose legacy is carried forward by today's Seoul National University Hospital-and the 47th anniversary of its incorporation. The event reflected on SNUH’s historical legacy while outlining its vision for the next century, alongside awards recognizing departments and individuals exemplifying the hospital’s core values.
In October, SNUH Children’s Hospital also marked its 40th anniversary with an international symposium on the evolving role of children’s hospitals and pediatric healthcare collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region. Additional academic lectures and symposia commemorating Jejungwon’s 140-year legacy were held throughout the year, highlighting its historical and societal significance.
Joint Symposium Celebrating First-Cohort Certification as a Research-Driven Hospital
On November 28, SNUH and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital jointly hosted a symposium celebrating their first-cohort certification as government-designated research-driven hospitals. The event highlighted major research achievements and future visions, followed by discussions on strategic directions for advancing medical research and innovation.
The certification, valid from April 2025 through March 2028, reflects verified excellence in research capacity and outcomes, reinforcing SNUH Group’s role in leading Korea’s bio-health industry.
Completion of “SNUHouse” at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
In January, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital completed SNUHouse, a combined dormitory and clinical support facility accommodating more than 400 medical staff members. Equipped with fitness, study, community, and childcare facilities, SNUHouse is designed to enhance staff welfare and work-life balance, particularly for medical professionals engaged in shift-based care.
SMG-SNUH Boramae Medical Center Named Outstanding Public Healthcare Institution
SMG–Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center was named an Outstanding Public Healthcare Institution for the eighth consecutive year by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, earning high evaluations across essential healthcare delivery, public healthcare capacity, and institutional foundations.
Improved Health Screening Environment at the SNUH Healthcare System Gangnam Center
Throughout 2025, the SNUH Healthcare System Gangnam Center implemented extensive infrastructure upgrades and spatial reorganization, including facility renovations, equipment replacement, and departmental expansion, to enhance patient safety and improve the quality and efficiency of health screening services.
