Dr. Park Min-ju

Dr. Park Min-ju

Q. Your background as a
“Korean medicine doctor who studied fine arts”
is very impressive. What led you
to change your field of study?

I spent my childhood struggling
with insecurities about my appearance.

Later, as I experienced improvements
in my appearance,
I also noticed a significant boost
in my self-esteem and inner confidence.

Having studied art at Seoul Arts High School
and Seoul National University College of Fine Arts,
I originally aspired to become an artist.

However, I eventually changed my path,
choosing instead to become a practitioner
who could use treatments as a form of
 artistry someone who heals
not only the body but also the heart.

Q. What was your feeling
when you first wore a doctor’s gown?

My first doctor’s gown
was actually from ACMESHE.

I remember trying on different pieces
at the showroom near Dosan Park,
and everything felt so fresh and exciting
the designs were diverse and beautifully made.

What made the biggest impression
on me was how elegant
and well-fitted each piece looked.

It didn’t feel like ordinary medical wear at all.

In fact, I felt like I could easily wear
it to a meeting or even a café
without it looking out of place.

I really enjoyed the experience,
and I would encourage others reading
this to visit the ACMESHE showroom
and try on their gowns that enhance both fit and style.

Q. What was the most memorable part
of the letter you wrote to your past
self three years ago?

And what would you like to say if you wrote
a letter to your future self three years from now?

What stayed with me the most was realizing
that the words I wrote three years ago
had actually come true almost
exactly as I had written them.

It made me think deeply about the power
of words and how they can shape reality.

If I were to write a letter to
myself three years from now,
I would hope that I have
not lost my original intentions,
and that I continue to be a Korean
medicine doctor who always does
my best for every patient, every single moment.

Q. You often share photos
with great people around you.
What do you value most in relationships with others?

I always think about how relationships
can become mutually beneficial and supportive.

I am fortunate to have many talented
and inspiring people around me.

I try to learn from their strengths,
while also doing my best to be of help to them.

I believe the best relationships are those
where both sides genuinely support
and encourage each other’s growth.

Q. Is there a healing travel
destination you would recommend?

One place I would strongly recommend
is the Serengeti National Park.

I have always loved animals,
especially those living in the wild.

Seeing lions, hyenas, cheetahs,
and other wild animals I had only seen
in films like The Lion King in their natural
environment was truly thrilling.

It was an experience filled with life and energy.

Being surrounded by such vast nature
allowed me to reflect deeply
on my own existence within the world.

Q. Do you pay special attention
to anything when treating patients?

I try to look beyond what patients
are able to say out loud,
and pay attention to the deeper concerns
and emotions they may be struggling to express.

I see each patient as if they were a close friend,
and I always try to understand
what is truly troubling them and
what feels most difficult from their perspective.

My goal is to stay with them mentally
and emotionally, and approach their care
with that sense of shared understanding.

Q. Among your diverse leisure
activities such as costumes,
travel, and participating
in hanbok model competitions,
is there a particularly memorable
experience you can share?

One of the most memorable experiences
was when I went out with friends
during the Halloween season to the streets
of Itaewon and sold Halloween items
as a pop-up street vendor.

We were on the streets with a microphone,
actively engaging with passersby,
introducing our products, and trying to make sales.

The whole experience of communicating
with people on the spot and creating energy
in a lively street environment was
incredibly exciting and unforgettable.

Q. Do you have any skincare
tips you’d especially like to share?

I believe there are three most important
steps in skincare: cleansing,
hydration, and sun protection.

On a daily basis, I recommend keeping things simple
and consistent by focusing on these three basics.

When you feel your skin needs extra care or support,
it can be helpful to visit a clinic
for appropriate treatments.

Sometimes, I think skin actually benefits
 from not being overly managed maintaining
a relaxed and balanced approach can be
more effective than overcomplicating your routine.

Q. Do you have a personal health routine
that you consistently follow to maintain
a healthy life in your busy daily schedule?

I regularly take herbal medicine
that is tailored to my body’s condition.

I believe there is nothing as safe and effective
as well-prescribed herbal medicine
when it comes to supporting overall
health without side effects.

Whenever I feel tired or physically drained,
I use it to help restore my energy
and maintain balance in my body.

Q. Are there any other challenges
you would like to pursue beyond
being a doctor in the future?

I would like to write a book that explains
skin care and Korean medicine in
an accessible and easy-to-understand way.

Through that, I hope to communicate
with and reach a wider audience,
sharing useful knowledge with more people.