As the Japanese immigrated to Korea, the profession of midwife was born. In order to respond to the demand for midwives in the provinces, the colonial power established a short training course in midwifery at Jahye Hospital and created an area-restricted midwife system. Japanese immigrants were important to the colonial power. Nevertheless, the regional distribution of midwives was imbalanced. The number of pregnant women giving birth with the help of midwives in rural areas was small.
Midwives were evaluated as pioneers who led a new civilization by overcoming the traditional ignorance of Korean society. Furthermore, the midwife was a job suited to women. It was also an attractive job because of the stable income. It was even mentioned that a midwife’s income was the same as a doctor’s one. As job stability was secured, the number of Korean midwives increased.
To improve the skills and knowledge of midwives, education was systematized and the training period was extended. Criticism of the midwife, however, persisted. There was even criticism that midwives lacked knowledge of hygiene and cleanliness. This criticism was likely related to the short period of education. Furthermore, midwives could not provide medical treatment when they encountered difficult labor. If a pregnant woman wanted a safe birth, the midwife could be insecure. In the absence of an obstetriciangynecologist, a midwife’s chance of success was sustainable. However, the increase in doctors and hospitals was likely to change the situation.