Ambulances in Gangwon Province continue to face a critical problem: finding a hospital prepared to accept emergency patients. Long travel distances, limited medical staff, and a shortage of available beds often force rescue teams to spend valuable time searching. One facility, however, has become a crucial safety net for the region.
On Nov. 19, the Gangwon Emergency Control Center reported that Chung-Ang University Health Care System Hyundae Hospital has accepted 223 patients transported by 119 rescue teams this year. Officials said the hospital has played a significant role in saving lives. Song Byeong-geon, head of the center, visited the hospital to express gratitude, noting that many residents might not have survived without its support.
A recent case highlighted the issue. On Oct. 14, a 69-year-old patient suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding was rejected by major hospitals across the province. The patient was eventually transferred to Hyundae Hospital, where he received surgery and recovered.
Hospital director Kim Bu-seop said the facility specializes in essential areas, such as surgery and orthopedics. Many emergency patients travel more than two hours from cities like Samcheok and Donghae to reach the hospital. He added that the hospital plans to keep accepting patients whenever possible and is preparing a major expansion project scheduled for completion in 2026.