The Archdiocese of Seoul’s Committee for Migrant Ministry has signed an agreement with the Catholic Medical Center to provide sustained medical support to migrant children who fall outside Korea’s healthcare safety net.
The Church in South Korea said the initiative is linked to preparations for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day.
The memorandum of understanding was signed Dec. 15 at the Catholic Medical Center of The Catholic University of Korea in Seocho District, with officials from both institutions in attendance.
Church officials said the partnership reflects the Church’s effort to translate World Youth Day preparations into concrete social action, particularly for vulnerable children facing barriers to medical care due to cost, language, or limited access to services.
The agreement centers on the “Hope Wings” program, administered by the Archdiocese of Seoul’s Committee for Migrant Ministry with support from the Community Chest of Korea.
Migrant children selected under the program will receive medical services through Catholic Medical Angels, the Catholic Medical Center’s social contribution organization, and its affiliated hospitals.
These include Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, and Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital.
The Archdiocese noted that while World Youth Day is open to young people aged 15 to 35, many parents of the program’s primary beneficiaries, migrant children aged 0 to 6, fall within that age group.
Officials said this connection underscores the Church’s call to practice love of neighbor alongside youth-centered pastoral initiatives.
Fr. Yoo Sang-hyuk, chair of the Archdiocese of Seoul’s Committee for Migrant Ministry, said migrant families often face heightened health risks tied to their working conditions and limited access to care.
“Most foreign workers in Korea are employed at high-risk worksites, making access to healthcare urgent,” he said. “In particular, children born in Korea often see the light of life fade due to their parents’ language barriers and lack of information about medical services.”
He said the agreement carries broader moral significance for the Church and its institutions. “Through this agreement, it is deeply meaningful to reaffirm the Catholic Medical Center’s value of respect for life and to restore life to children living in blind spots,” Yoo said.
Prof. Min Chang-gi, vice president for medical affairs and president of the Catholic Medical Center, said the initiative would form part of the institution’s wider social mission as preparations for World Youth Day continue.
“The Catholic Medical Center is a leading medical institution in Korea founded on Catholic principles,” he said. “In line with the guidance of Archbishop Chung Soon-taick of Seoul, we plan not only to provide this support but also to take the lead in practicing love of neighbor throughout the preparation process for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day.”
Min said the Catholic Medical Center plans to ensure that its support for migrant children outside the healthcare system is sustained and not limited to a one-time initiative.
