Dr. SEOKHWI HONG/ World Pet Animal Hospital/ Korea

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Veterinarian Spotlight #25:

Dr. Seokhwi Hong

 

We are delighted to introduce Dr. Seokhwi Hong as our featured veterinarian for this issue. Dr. Hong founded World Pet Animal Hospital in Bucheon in 2011 and has been leading it ever since—a practice that has grown alongside the companion animal families in his community. He has always held one guiding principle close to his heart: “Let us walk with them comfortably until the very end.” With this philosophy, he has built deep, lasting trust in the community. Believing that the quality of time shared matters more than the length of life, Dr. Hong continues his journey as a steady, dedicated family veterinarian.

 

Bio：

  • Graduated from Konkuk University College of Veterinary Medicine (2008)
  • Founded and currently serving as Director, World Pet Animal Hospital, Bucheon, Korea (2011 – Present)
  • Executive Director, Korean Animal Rehabilitation Association
  • Director, Gyeonggi-do Veterinary Association
  • President, Bucheon City Veterinary Association
  • Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA)
  • Council Member, Korean Veterinary Medical Association

 

Q1 :  How would you introduce yourself in 3 words

Tenacity, Integrity, Passion.

These three values are at the core of my practice. Tenacity is the persistence to see even the most challenging cases through to the end. Integrity forms the foundation of honest communication with owners and every treatment decision. Passion is the driving force that keeps me learning every day and caring for each patient with genuine warmth.

 

Q2 : At what age, did you decide to become a vet?

There was no single defining moment in my childhood. Rather, it was around the age of twenty-one, as I immersed myself in veterinary studies, that I gradually realized the path of a clinical veterinarian was the right fit for me. The more I learned and experienced, the more deeply I resonated with the calling to care for living beings.

 

Q3 : What do you like the most about being a vet?

The diversity and the endless learning. Practicing across various fields leaves no room for monotony—every day brings new challenges. The greatest appeal and reward lie in encountering different patients and situations daily, continually building a wealth of experience.

 

Q4 : One sentence that describes your value as a vet.

“Honest treatment, delivered with kindness.”

 

Q5 : Can you share one memorable moment in your career as a vet?

The day I first opened my hospital doors. Everything felt new and uncertain, yet there was a mix of anticipation and excitement about starting my own practice. At the same time, a sense of responsibility weighed on me—half worry, half hope. That day’s complex emotions and resolution remain my most vivid memory, as it was the starting point that shaped who I am today.

 

Q6 : What is your expertise (pursuing focus)?

Once companion animals reach three years of age, approximately 80% experience periodontal disease. As plaque and inflammation erode the gums, they cause not only pain but also allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially spreading to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Recognizing this, I have focused my practice on dentistry, leveraging our hospital’s strengths to deepen expertise in one area. Maintaining good dental health is directly linked to overall well-being and extended lifespan.

I am pleased that many families now visit our hospital specifically for dental care, and I strive daily to honor that trust.

At the same time, I have actively integrated Traditional Korean Veterinary Medicine (TKVM) into our practice. Based on certified acupuncture training (CVA), I assess each patient’s condition and provide step-by-step treatment to reduce pain and aid functional recovery. For animals suffering from musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, this approach alleviates pain and improves mobility. It has also proven highly effective in postoperative recovery and rehabilitation, as well as reducing chronic pain in senior pets, restoring their daily activity and enhancing quality of life.

 

The core value of our practice is prioritizing pain relief and swift recovery. Through various diagnostic imaging modalities, we establish accurate diagnoses and analyze underlying causes. Following standardized protocols—including pre-anesthetic ECG evaluations—we strive to ensure safe and rapid recovery while minimizing pain. We remain fully committed to providing thorough consultations and clear explanations to owners, taking responsibility every step of the way.

 

Q7 : Please share a specific case or scenario where you used CardioBird and describe how it helped you.

Dental procedures frequently require anesthesia, making rapid cardiac monitoring before and during anesthesia the greatest advantage of CardioBird. It allows us to objectively assess a patient’s cardiac status simply and efficiently prior to complex dental procedures, significantly enhancing anesthetic safety. Additionally, by systematically accumulating data from patients with confirmed or suspected cardiac conditions, CardioBird provides invaluable information for future treatment planning and long-term health management.

At our hospital, we routinely incorporate CardioBird into every pre-anesthetic evaluation.

 

Q8: Surely you have a dream. What do you hope to accomplish through your career or in life?

My greatest dream is the health and happiness of my own family. Professionally, having practiced steadily in one community for over fifteen years, my aspiration is to be recognized by local residents as a trusted veterinarian and for our hospital to be regarded as a dependable, quality practice. The genuine recognition earned through years of dedicated service holds the deepest meaning for me.