Commissioner Seungkwan Lim: "Ongoing Prevention and Management of Allergic Diseases Is Crucial"

Inspection of Center Operations During World Allergy Week
"Early Detection and Management of Asthma and Atopic Dermatitis Are Crucial"

Seungkwan Lim, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, visited the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on June 23, 2026, to inspect the operation status of the Atopy·Asthma Education and Information Center in northern Gyeonggi and to hear opinions from the field.

This visit was conducted in recognition of World Allergy Week 2026 (June 21–27) to emphasize the importance of community-based Atopy·Asthma Education and Information Centers and to call for heightened social awareness regarding allergic diseases.

On the 23rd, Seunggwan Lim, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, visited the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, to inspect the operation status of the Atopy and Asthma Education and Information Center in northern Gyeonggi and to hear opinions from the field. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

Allergic diseases include asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and anaphylaxis. When an allergic disease occurs, there is a high probability of an “allergic march,” in which one allergic disease leads to another. If a disease develops, symptoms such as coughing, itching, and nasal congestion can lower the overall quality of life. In severe cases, if not managed promptly, conditions such as airway obstruction can lead to death, making continuous prevention and management crucial.

Since 2008, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has been operating Atopy·Asthma Education and Information Centers in key local governments to respond to the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in Korea. These centers are the only institutions that provide education and counseling on the early detection and ongoing management of allergic diseases for local health centers, Atopy·Asthma Safe Schools, primary medical institutions, and emergency medical technicians. Currently, 11 education and information centers are operating in 10 regions among 17 major local governments.

Allergic diseases generally occur due to exposure to harmless allergy-triggering substances (allergens), so it is important to develop the habit of recognizing and avoiding risk factors from an early age. Each year, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency designates Safe Schools from among kindergartens, daycare centers, and elementary, middle, and high schools that apply. The Atopy·Asthma Education and Information Centers provide customized education for students, parents, and school health teachers at these Safe Schools. Through on-site education programs in each region, they also teach emergency response skills, such as how to use self-injectable epinephrine or inhalers.

In observance of World Allergy Week, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency plans to hold hands-on events for local residents through the Atopy·Asthma Education and Information Centers until June 27 to raise awareness of allergic diseases and encourage proactive prevention and management among citizens.

Commissioner Seungkwan Lim stated, "Allergic diseases can suddenly become acute at any time, so it is important to be aware of the diseases and practice ongoing prevention and management. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency will continue to support Atopy·Asthma Education and Information Centers in fulfilling their role as a social safety net for allergic diseases in local communities, while also raising awareness of the risks and promoting prevention and management policies."

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