Travel to South Korea: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

From October 21 to 25, 2024, Julien Antih and Professor Claire Vigor, researchers at the Pharmacognosy and Phyto-Aromatherapy Laboratory, were invited by the Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM) in South Korea. During their visit, they learned how traditional Korean medicine is being combined with modern scientific innovations.

The program included visits to iconic sites, such as the herbal medicine market and a traditional medicine hospital in Seoul, where tradition and modern practices come together to serve patients. In Daejeon, the researchers toured the KIOM facilities, which demonstrate how traditional Korean medicine is evolving toward modern applications.

A meeting with the scientific attaché at the French Embassy also provided an opportunity to explore potential support for collaborative projects between the two countries. During a stop in Naju, discussions with local teams allowed for the exchange of knowledge and provided inspiration for the creation of a plant identification unit at the Droguier in Montpellier.

The visit concluded with a traditional Korean dinner, reflecting a successful cultural immersion. This trip opens up new avenues for research on traditional pharmacopoeias in Montpellier, combining tradition and modernity.