A 2026 Ministry of Health and Welfare review found substantial differences in the ability of regional emergency medical centers to accept critically ill patients and provide definitive treatment. In Seoul's northwest region, Severance Hospital scored 92.4 points, compared with 68.2 for Seoul National University Hospital, a gap of 24.2 points.
The ministry said 12 newly designated centers must secure required facilities, staff and equipment by April 2027 or risk losing their designation.