Beyond hospital corridors, art offers another kind of healing

Beyond hospital corridors, art offers another kind of healing At Asan Medical Center in southern Seoul, curated exhibitions aim to ease the stress of hospital visits. The facility, which boasts over 2,700 beds and is South Korea's largest tertiary hospital, has been hosting art displays since 1996. These exhibits, featuring paintings, photographs, sculptures, and crafts, are designed to provide emotional support and foster a restorative atmosphere for patients and their families. Hospital visits often begin with uncertainty rather than treatment. Patients may spend hours navigating registration desks, waiting rooms, and diagnostic procedures. This unfamiliarity can heighten feelings of anxiety and helplessness. To counter this, Asan Medical Center tailors its art selection to different sections of the hospital. Bright, hopeful artworks adorn areas where critically ill patients frequent, while shared wards display comforting imagery. Each artwork undergoes careful evaluation based on its size, tone, and potential effect on patient well-being and safety. The challenge of curating art within a healthcare setting lies in understanding the unique needs of hospital visitors. Unlike museum-goers, individuals visiting a hospital may be in pain, awaiting diagnoses, or supporting a loved one. Their emotional states must be considered during the curation process. According to officials at Asan Medical Center, the exhibitions contribute positively to the overall experience. A 2023 brand perception survey revealed that many visitors felt calmer and had a more favorable view of the hospital after engaging with the galleries. Additionally, participation in guided tours has increased since the program expanded in 2024. One visitor, Park Jae-ik, 63, shared how the art has impacted his experience. Diagnosed with heart failure at Asan Medical Center in 2014, Park has returned for regular check-ups. Despite not identifying as an art enthusiast, he found solace in the gallery located in the first-floor lobby of the hospital’s east building. “When you are going through a difficult time, you want something to hold on to and a place to cry your heart out,” he explained. Now fully recovered, Park continues to visit the hospital for routine check-ups and finds comfort in the familiar presence of the gallery. He hopes the exhibitions can similarly benefit others facing challenging health journeys. Other major hospitals in South Korea have also embraced the integration of art into their facilities. Samsung Medical Center launched its SMC Care Gallery in 2018, situated in a corridor linking the annex building to the cancer center. This space serves as a visual and emotional refuge for approximately 20,000 patients, caregivers, and medical staff daily. Similarly, Seoul National University Hospital’s Daehan Outpatient Center showcases works intended to offer comfort and relief to patients, families, and staff. Severance Hospital maintains a permanent art space in its main building, featuring pieces by established Korean artists. These efforts reflect a broader trend of using art to soften the often-intimidating environment of a hospital. By incorporating artistic elements, these institutions seek to create moments of calm and connection amid the pressures of medical care. The success of such initiatives depends on thoughtful curation and a deep understanding of the diverse experiences of those who visit. As more hospitals explore the therapeutic value of art, the hope is that future patients will find not just treatment, but also a measure of peace and reassurance.