Cho Won-tae, chairman and CEO of Hanjin Group and Korean Air, speaks during an event for the 30th anniversary of Inha University Hospital's foundation at Grand Hyatt Incheon, Wednesday. Courtesy of Korean Air
In a bid to ease the financial and emotional burden on families of severely ill children, Korean Air is teaming up with a major global nonprofit and a regional medical center to build a dedicated sanctuary for pediatric patients.
The airline, along with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Korea and Inha University Hospital, signed an agreement earlier this week to establish a Ronald McDonald House adjacent to the hospital’s campus in Incheon. The facility will provide free lodging and comprehensive support for the families of children undergoing long-term medical treatment.
The deal, finalized during a ceremony marking the hospital’s 30th anniversary at the Grand Hyatt Incheon, relies on a highly coordinated tripartite model. Korean Air will donate the land for the project, RMHC Korea will oversee construction and daily operations and Inha University Hospital will manage medical coordination and facility maintenance.
The initiative fills a critical gap in regional pediatric care.
Inha University Hospital operates a government-designated public specialized medical center for children, a 24-hour pediatric emergency room and the region's first pediatric intensive care unit. For families traveling long distances for specialized care, the emotional toll is frequently compounded by the logistical hurdle of finding affordable, long-term housing near the hospital. Research has consistently shown that keeping families together near medical hubs significantly reduces patient stress and improves clinical outcomes.
“Inha University Hospital was founded with a vision to advance regional health care and give back to society,” said Cho Won-tae, the chairman and chief executive of Hanjin Group and Korean Air, referencing the hospital's founding by his grandfather, Cho Joong-hoon. “In line with this philosophy, Korean Air is honored to provide the site for the Ronald McDonald House and support families in our local community.”
With roots spanning 61 countries, RMHC is a global nonprofit focused on children’s welfare. The upcoming Incheon location represents a significant expansion of its flagship program, which works to ensure that families are never forced to choose between proper medical care and staying by their children's side.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
