A trip to South Korea: where tradition meets innovation

From October 21 to 25, 2024, Julien Antih and Pr Claire Vigor, researchers at the Pharmacognosie Phyto-Aromathérapie laboratory, were invited to South Korea by the Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM). Their visit enabled them to discover how traditional Korean medicine combines with modern scientific innovations.

The program included emblematic visits, such as the medicinal plant market and a traditional medicine hospital in Seoul, where tradition and modern practices intertwine in the service of patients. In Daejeon, researchers discovered the KIOM facilities, which illustrate how traditional Korean medicine is evolving towards modern applications.

A meeting with the French Embassy's scientific officer also provided an opportunity to explore possible support for collaborative projects between the two countries. During a stopover in Naju, exchanges with local teams enabled the sharing of knowledge and inspiration for the creation of a plant identification unit at the Droguier de Montpellier.

The trip ended with a traditional Korean dinner, reflecting a successful cultural immersion. The trip opened up new prospects for research into traditional pharmacopoeia in Montpellier, combining tradition and modernity.