Voices from the 2025 KUA–EAU Exchange: A report

The 2025 KUA–EAU Exchange was an excellent and highly informative experience, providing valuable insight into contemporary urological practice in Korea. Our visits to Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital offered a clear view of how major centres integrate advanced surgical technologies into their daily work. From the outset, the teams were welcoming and made a consistent effort to involve us in their clinical activities.

A particular highlight was observing single-port surgery and robotic ureteroscopy. Watching these procedures performed with such precision demonstrated how effectively Korean centres have adopted and refined minimally invasive and robotic techniques. Seeing them incorporated into routine practice was both instructive and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on how similar approaches might be developed further within our own settings.

The tour also included attendance at the KUA Annual Meeting, which provided a useful national context for the innovations we observed in the hospitals. The sessions were well organised and clinically relevant, offering a broader perspective on ongoing developments in Korean urology and complementing the hands-on exposure we gained throughout the week.

Meeting fellows from across Asia, who were working within the hospitals, was another major strength of the programme. Speaking with them about their training and day-to-day clinical practice offered valuable regional insight and broadened my understanding of the different pathways across the region. It was also a pleasure to attend the tour with my European colleague, Dr. Carlotta Palumbo. 

Throughout the visit, the hospitality was consistently generous. Staff at all levels were open to questions, willing to discuss their reasoning and experience, and created an environment that was both professional and approachable. This made the learning experience practical, engaging, and highly worthwhile.

I would strongly recommend the KUA–EAU exchange to others. It offers focused clinical exposure, access to innovative surgical techniques, and excellent opportunities to build meaningful international connections. The programme provides substantial professional development and a broader understanding of global practice in urology.

Thanks to the collaboration between the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the Korean Association of Urology (KUA), Dr. Patrick Jones and I had the chance to immerse ourselves in the EAU-KUA International Exchange Programme. This was a unique opportunity for us as young urologists to share expertise, knowledge, and collaboration with esteemed colleagues from South Korea.

Our two-week experience started at the Seoul National University Hospital under the mentorship of Prof. Chang Wook Jeong and Prof. Sung Yong Cho. After a warm welcome from the residents and international fellows, we had the chance to observe advanced urological surgeries for two days. We spent a dedicated time in the operating rooms (ORs), focusing on robotic cases and complex stone treatments. We were amazed by their technologies and efficiency.

In the next two days, we visited Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, accompanied by Prof. U-Syn Ha and Prof. Yong Hyun Park. Here, we observed complex laparoscopic and robotic cases in the ORs. We also visited the simulation centre and the laboratory buildings, where Prof. Park showed us some of their advancements in understanding kidney cancer biology. We also had the privilege of a private meeting with Prof. Lee Ji-youl, the Director of the St Mary’s Hospital. He inspired us when he talked about how to translate clinical needs into ideas, research, and ultimately, innovations to push the boundaries of patient care.

Our exchange concluded at the KUA 2025 Annual Meeting in Seoul. The scientific programme was exceptional, and we had the opportunity to engage with colleagues from around the world. We were also invited to social events that expanded our professional connections and enriched our knowledge. The KUA Meeting also offered fun activities such as the lottery, where I was fortunate enough to win one of the gift cards.

The two weeks went beyond urology. Our hosts offered us an in-depth introduction to the South Korean culture, from its glorious past to the contemporary K-culture. We walked around Bukchon Hanok Village wearing hanbok (한복), Korea's traditional attire. Then we jumped into a photo booth, a self-service kiosk offering fun and customizable photos. Of course, we went shopping at Olive Young, the most famous Korean skin care chain. We mastered our chopstick skills, and ate delicious (sometimes very spicy) Korean food.

I made new friends and collaborations, as well as unforgettable memories. This experience enriched me both professionally and personally. I will be forever grateful to the EAU and the KUA for this amazing opportunity.