- ‘Yon‧Se Head Dr. Avison, Linking Yonhi and Severance’ December 05, 2023
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Special Exhibition at the Museums: Commemorative Display for the 130th Anniversary of Oliver R. Avison's Visit
The Office of Library and Cultural Services, Museum, Archives, and the Dong-Eun Medical Museum of the Yonsei University College of Medicine jointly opened a special exhibition on November 14th at 2:00 PM in the museum exhibition hall, commemorating the 130th anniversary of the visit of Dr. Oliver R. Avison (1860-1956) to Korea.
The special exhibition was organized to commemorate the achievements and spirit of Dr. Avison, who served as a medical missionary from 1893 to 1935, dedicating over 40 years of service. Particularly, from 1916 to 1935, he devoted 18 years as the principal of both Severance Medical School (the root of 'Sei') and Yonhi College (the root of 'Yon'), leading the growth of the school and hospital. He played a pivotal role in establishing a significant foundation for the development of 'One Yonsei' that continues to this day.
During the opening ceremony held on the 14th, Provost Kim Eunkyoung stated, 'I believe that the collaboration of the three institutions in organizing this exhibition effectively showcases Dr. Avison's prominence in Yonsei's history. Dr. Avison, serving as the principal of both Severance Medical School and Yonhi College concurrently, seamlessly operated the two schools within a shared framework, as implied by the exhibition title.' She continued, 'Considering Dr. Avison's significant contributions not only to the development of Yonsei but also to Korean society, our university, along with the Korean government, pays tribute to him. With this exhibition, we hope to unearth more materials and foster further research.'
The exhibition is divided into five parts: ▲ Prologue ▲ Pioneering the First Licensed Physicians in Korea ▲ Leading Yonhi and Severance ▲ Still with Us Today ▲ Epilogue.
In the Prologue, visitors can explore Dr. Avison's life through a 7-minute video featuring his career and over 100 photos.
The first part, 'Pioneering the First Licensed Physicians in Korea,' explores Dr. Avison's contributions after arriving in Korea as a medical missionary in 1893. Taking charge of Chejungwon from November 1st, he played a crucial role in introducing Western medicine and initiating modern higher education in Korea.
Dr. Avison transformed Chejungwon into Severance Hospital, the first Western-style modern hospital in Korea, and actively promoted medical education for the training of Korean physicians. As a result, on June 3, 1908, the first seven graduates of Severance Hospital Medical College received their degrees. The following day, they became the first licensed physicians in Korea, obtaining the 'License for Medical Practice' from the Korean Empire government.
Subsequently, Dr. Avison collaborated with various Christian denominations active in Korea at that time to send medical missionaries from each denomination to Severance Hospital Medical College. This initiative evolved into Severance Union Medical College in June 1913.
In the second part, 'Leading Yonhi and Severance,' the activities of Dr. Avison as the principal of both Medical School and College are highlighted, showcasing his contributions to the development of Yonsei.
In April 1915, various Christian denominations collaborated to establish Chosen Christian College at the YMCA building in Jong-ro, Seoul. Until the university site was secured, the YMCA space was temporarily leased and utilized for offices, classrooms, and dormitories. The first president elected at the March 6 meeting was missionary Horace G. Underwood. When Underwood passed away in October 1916, Dr. Avison assumed the position of president of Chosen Christian College.
Subsequently, until February 1934, Dr. Avison served as the president of both Chosen Christian College and Severance Union Medical College for 18 years. Dr. Avison established the two schools as private specialized institutions according to the laws of the Korean Governor-General's Office, fostering them into prestigious academic institutions. He consistently worked towards merging the two schools into a comprehensive university. Based on these efforts, the foundation was laid for the merger in January 1957, creating Yonsei University by combining Chosen Christian College and Severance Medical College.
In the third part, 'Still with Us Today,' we delve into the enduring spirit of Dr. Avison that continues to influence us.
In February 1934, Dr. Avison relinquished his positions as the president of Chosen Christian College and Severance Union Medical College to Dr. Horace H. Underwood and Dr. Oh Geung-sun, respectively. He returned to the United States in December 1935. In 1952, he received the Order of Merit for National Foundation from the South Korean government in recognition of his contributions, including support for the March 1st Movement and the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. In September 2021, he was posthumously honored as the 'Independence Activist of the Month' by the National Veterans Affairs (now the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs).
After returning to the United States, Dr. Avison spent his later years in Florida, where he wrote his memoirs. He passed away on August 28, 1956. Upon learning of Dr. Avison's death, Chosen Christian College and Severance Medical College held a memorial service to commemorate his lifelong dedication to Korea. In March 1928, a statue of Dr. Avison was erected at Severance Union Medical College. However, in the spring of 1942, the Japanese forces, aiming to secure war materials, dismantled the statue and placed it in a furnace. Subsequently, in June 1966, the statue was reinstated at Yonsei University Health System, symbolizing the fulfillment of Dr. Avison's long-awaited vision of the joint institution of Yonhi and Severance.
The epilogue concludes with a farewell address from Mr. Yun Chi-ho given at the farewell gathering for Dr. Avison in 1935.
"You have left us with three great institutions: Chosen Christian College, Severance Union Medical College, and Severance Hospital. You will be remembered eternally until the end of this world. However, your greatest monument will be the endless stream of graduates and patients benefiting from the healing service of the hospitals, multiplying your legacy a thousandfold."
The exhibition features a collection of artifacts showcasing the stories of Dr. Avison, Yonhi, and Severance through early graduation certificates, yearbooks, founding charters, and photos from the early days of Yonhi and Severance, including images of the inaugural ceremonies of Stimson Hall, Underwood Hall, and Appenzeller Hall. Additionally, it includes Dr. Avison's memorial notebooks, King Gojong's royal seal (National Registered Cultural Heritage), manuscripts of his autobiography, family photos, and research publications related to Dr. Avison.
The exhibition will be held in the Museum Planning Exhibition Hall on the 1st floor of the Centennial Hall from November 15, 2023, to March 30, 2024.○ Exhibition Venue: Museum Planning Exhibition Hall, 1st Floor, Centennial Hall
○ Exhibition Period: November 15, 2023 (Wednesday) to March 30, 2024 (Saturday)
○ Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
○ Inquiry: 02-2123-3340
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