Company Overview
Founded in 1980, Koonja Publishing is South Korea’s medical publisher, dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals, researchers, and students. Over the past four decades, Koonja has built an extensive portfolio of authoritative titles across medicine, dentistry, nursing, and health sciences, bridging local expertise with global knowledge through original publications and high-quality translations.
Driven by innovation, Koonja has successfully expanded into digital e-books, online exam platforms, and the children's educational market. With its state-of-the-art headquarters in Paju Book City and the landmark Mediterium Medical History Museum, Koonja continues to shape the landscape of medical knowledge as an influential, globally recognized industry leader.
History
2020 – Present: Digital Innovation & Core Textbook Approval
- 2025
- Elementary and Secondary school health textbooks approved under the 2022 Revised National Curriculum.
- 2024
- Established 'Stellar Whale,' an imprint specializing in children's literature.
- 2021
- Signed an MOU with Yonsei University Health System to promote modern medical history.
- 2020
- Honored with the Prime Minister’s Commendation on the 34th Book Day.
- Consistently recognized with multiple "Excellent Scholarly Book" awards by the National Academy of Sciences and Sejong Books.
2010 – 2019: Global Outreach & Cultural Infrastructure
- 2017
- Opened the Mediterium Medical History Museum.
- 2016
- Launched 'Smart Edu K,' an online mock examination platform.
- 2015
- Relocated to the new headquarters in Paju Book City & established the E-Contents Department.
- 2013
- Pioneered digital publishing with e-book sales & expanded global rights exports (e.g., Song's Innovative Aortic Root).
- 2012
- Entered the children's book market & debuted an independent booth at the Frankfurt Book Fair (participating annually).
2000 – 2009: Specialized Growth & Exclusive Partnerships
- 2009
- Secured exclusive distribution partnerships for nursing titles with Elsevier and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW).
- 2008
- Received the Minister’s Commendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST).
- 2004
- Signed an exclusive domestic contract with Jones & Bartlett; Established the Traditional Korean Medicine Department.
- 2002
- Formally incorporated as Koonja Publishing Co., Ltd.
- 2000–2001
- Established dedicated departments for Dentistry and Nursing.
1980 – 1999: Foundation & Growth
- 1986
- Expanded operations into medical book publishing and foreign book importation.
- 1980
- Founded Koonja Publishing, beginning as a medical book wholesaler and retailer.
