Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is our greatest pleasure to invite you to Yonsei Radiation Oncology Symposium: The 100th Anniversary of the First Radiotherapy in Korea, which will be held on April 15-16, in in Grand Ballrom, The Commons (Baekyang Nuri), Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.

Severance Hospital started in Kwang Hye Won, Korea’s first Western-style hospital, established in 1885 by Dr. Horace N. Allen, a missionary doctor from the United States. Since then, Yonsei Cancer Center, the nation's first medical institution dedicated to cancer treatment, was established in 1969 and was followed by opening a new cancer hospital in 2014, which now ranks among the best cancer hospitals in the world. The year 2022 is significant as it marks the 100th anniversary of radiotherapy in Korea.

The Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, has played a pioneering role in cancer treatment, introducing and distributing countless new technologies in Korea. Introduction of a high-performance linear accelerator in 1972 marks the breakthrough in modern radiation therapy and was followed by brachytherapy, intraoperative radiotherapy, radiosurgery, hyperthermia, and 3D conformal radiotherapy. In addition, we are preparing for another innovation by introducing Carbon-ion Therapy for the first time in Korea, which will begin operations in March 2023.

The main theme of the symposium is “The Next Big Leap into the Future.” The program will feature distinguished presenters from Korea and abroad, and this symposium will be the perfect occasion to understand and share the latest trends and innovations in radiation oncology. Although the impact of COVID-19 is overwhelming, we will make every possible effort to make your participation scientifically rewarding and enjoyable.

We look forward to seeing you in April.