Established in 1945 as Hanseongbu Sanitation Test Center, the Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment has grown to become a public institution specialized in research analysis, providing scientific data and evidence in support of the policymaking of Seoul Metropolitan City through a wide variety of tests and studies. It has also contributed to the advancement of public health and well-being by promoting food safety, preventing health conditions caused by urban living, and improving overall quality of life.
Main projects include: tests on the safety of food, medicines, and medical supplies; tests on agro-fishery products and medicinal herbs; tests on livestock products and common diseases; tests for infectious diseases and hazardous microorganisms; studies on water environment, soil, and waste; and studies on air quality and urban living conditions.
As one of the leading testing and certification institutions in Korea, the research institute has played a pivotal role in promoting public health while conducting a variety of research projects through academic exchanges with prestigious domestic and international research centers.
- Current status of official testing and certification centers at home and abroad
▶ Investigations and monitoring of a variety of foods, food additives, food equipment, containers, and packaging as well as medicines, medical supplies, cosmetics, and hazardous ingredients are carried out in order to help maintain public health through quality and safety testing.
▶ Agricultural products delivered to Garak Agricultural Market are examined thoroughly at the auction sites. Also, medicinal herbs distributed at Gyeongdong Market, the largest market in Seoul, are monitored for contaminants, such as heavy metals, residual agricultural pesticides, and bleach.
▶ The Institute provides safe, sanitary livestock products and processed goods made with livestock products by enforcing related standards and conducting inspections to detect hazardous residual materials. In addition, it takes preventive measures against Avian Influenza (AI), foot-and-mouth disease, and mad cow disease, as well as other common diseases.
▶ The Institute conducts testing to detect bacterial contamination of foods, medicines, medical supplies, and water, as well as to identify bacteria related to infectious diseases, such as cholera and typhoid, and viral diseases, such as AIDS and influenza. It also offers training programs for the medical staff of the community health centers of each district.
▶ Through the operation of an automated air quality testing system in Seoul, details on the status of air quality and pollution in the city are provided in real-time to Seoul citizens through large, digital bulletin boards. In particular, information on yellow dust and ozone concentrations is updated in real-time so as to minimize their impact on public health. A range of studies on health hazards, including asbestos, noise pollution, and dioxins, are conducted as well.
▶ The Institute works to protect underground water sources and the ecosystems of other water environments through regular inspections and monitoring of the quality of drinking water, water for domestic use, and mineral springs, as well as the water quality of the Hangang River and streams. Furthermore, numerous research studies on the inspection on soil pollution and wastes have been conducted.
▶ International Cooperation on Joint Research Projects
In order to address public health and environment-related issues, the Institute has signed an array of research agreements with prestigious domestic and international institutions, such as the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Environmental Protection, Ulan Bator in Mongolia, Samsung Medical Center, and the Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment. Through these agreements, the Institute executes a variety studies by integrating the particular strengths of each partner institute in their respective research areas.
▶ Operation of Science Experience Class
As Seoul City’s leading research institute and equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, the Institute has conducted numerous experimental studies in the field of public health and the environment, offering ample opportunities for the general public to gain first-hand experience with scientific experimentation.
- English Guidebook (to be provided)
Tests on the Safety of Foods, Medicines, and Medical Supplies | ![]() |
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Tests on Agro-Fishery Products and Medicinal Herbs | ![]() |
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Tests on Livestock Products and Common Diseases | ![]() |
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Tests for Infectious Diseases and Hazardous Microorganisms | ![]() |
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Studies on Air Quality and Living Conditions | ![]() |
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Studies on Water Environment, Soil, and Waste | ![]() |
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International Cooperation and Education Service | ![]() |
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