2019 Traditional Medicine Industry Fair & International Conference by the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development (NIKOM)

The Traditional Medicine Industry Fair hosted by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Association of Korean Medicine, Deans Council of Korean Medicine College, Korean Medicine Hospital’s Association, Daegu Haany University, etc., held a total of 56 booths including the Korean Medicine technique and career counseling hall, Korean Medicine experience hall, Korean medicinal herbs specimens exhibition hall, Korean Medicine industry pavilion, Food pavilion, etc. set up by 25 different firms and organizations groups.

Inside the Korean Medicine technique and career counseling hall, technique counseling for finding Korean Medicine ingredient, technique counseling on Korean Medicine related products, and on Korean Medicine pharmacopuncture were held along with career counseling for local elementary, middle, and high school students. Specifically, various hands-on experience events such as the free medical diagnosis event co-hosted by the Daegu Korean Medicine Hospital of Daegu Haany University and the Association of Kyungbuk Korean Medicine, and the free pulse examination by the Pulse Diagnosis Academy of Korean Medicine received huge positive responses from participants and foreigners.

In addition, to appeal the excellence of Korean Medicine and to construct the basis of Korean Medicine for overseas entrance, the International Conference for Global Cooperation in Traditional Medicine was held under the topic of a ‘new challenge and cooperation for traditional medicine.’ A total of 300 scholars, researchers and students in the field of traditional medicine participated from 9 countries including Korea, U.K, Germany, Netherlands, China, etc.

“By hosting an international conference, the promotion and networking of infrastructures for the Korean Medicine industry will work as a basis for overseas expansion of domestic firms. On top of that, it will be an opportunity for the Korean Medicine industry in the Gyeongsangbuk-do area to move a step forward.” noted Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. “Facing the 60th anniversary of the Daegu Haany University, a forum for understanding the research trend of global traditional medicines, for discovering overseas business partners, and for exchange between academia and industries has been established by hosting an international conference where professionals of world’s traditional medicines gather.” stated Daegu Haany University. An official from NIKOM emphasized that “this event was a great opportunity to promote the excellence of Korean Medicine to guests and participants from abroad.”

Meanwhile, NIKOM plans to host related events annually to create future values for Korean Medicine through means of standardization, globalization and by adopting scientific procedures. It will also target raising overseas recognition of Korean Medicine brands to establish a foundation for the overseas expansion of Korean Medicine.