Gokseong-gun, Continuous Acceptance of Advance Life-Sustaining Treatment Directives

Changes and cancellations allowed anytime after application by the applicant only

[Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Yoo Geun-gi) announced that it is accepting consultations and registration applications for advance directives on life-sustaining treatment on an ongoing basis.

The life-sustaining treatment decision system grants patients in the dying process the right to pre-select to avoid or discontinue meaningless life-sustaining treatments. This applies when medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemodialysis, chemotherapy, or mechanical ventilation have no therapeutic effect. In South Korea, this system has been implemented since 2018 with the purpose of allowing people to end their lives with dignity as human beings. Anyone aged 19 or older can apply for an advance directive on life-sustaining treatment.

Since May 2020, the Gokseong-gun Health and Medical Center has been designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a registration institution for advance directives on life-sustaining treatment and has been conducting consultations and registration services. Those wishing to apply should bring their ID card, visit the Gokseong-gun Health and Medical Center, receive sufficient consultation and explanation, then fill out and submit the application form. The submitted application is registered in the Life-Sustaining Treatment Information Processing System and can be accessed at any time.

The completed directive is legally recognized under the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act. Therefore, no one other than the applicant can apply or withdraw it. However, the applicant can change or withdraw it at any time after applying.

So far, 220 people have applied for advance directives on life-sustaining treatment at the Gokseong-gun Health and Medical Center.

A county official said, “We will strive to foster a well-dying culture so that residents can protect their dignity and value until the end of life and finish their lives beautifully.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.