Founded in 1957, the Department of Surgery at the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine has been at the forefront of surgical advancement in Korea. With the dedication of its former professors and the passion of its current members, the department has led the history of Korean surgery for more than half a century. In 1969, it successfully performed the nation’s first kidney transplantation, and since then has pioneered innovations not only in laparoscopic surgery but also across the entire field of surgery.

Beyond clinical practice, the department has also made significant contributions to the development of surgical science in Korea through outstanding achievements in basic research. Maintaining the tradition of integrating both clinical and experimental research, the department continues to advance surgical medicine.

Currently, the department operates eight specialized divisions—Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Breast Surgery, Trauma and Critical Care Surgery, and Vascular and Transplantation Surgery—across its eight affiliated hospitals, including Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. With more than 170 members, including residents, the department remains dedicated to surgical excellence and the advancement of healthcare quality.

The Department of Surgery website serves as a hub for communication and information-sharing, not only among department members but also with alumni and patients, especially in an era when in-person gatherings are becoming increasingly difficult.