Awareness Gaps in the Public Nature of Korea’s Healthcare System*

Medical care is an essential social service that supports other valued goods, such as life, health, safety, and the guarantee of social opportunities. In many countries, access to medical care is provided through public health insurance systems. South Korea’s medical insurance system, which has expanded at an unprecedented rate in recent decades, performs very well by several internationally recognized indicators. However, excessive government regulations, a private-centered supply of medical resources, and overuse of the system by patients have led to a misallocation of medical resources. This article examines the supply and use of medical care by the Korean government, the medical community, patients, and citizens, highlighting awareness gaps in the public value and nature of medical care. Recognizing this issue is the first step in building a sustainable medical system that ensures that medical resources are appropriately allocated and utilized.