Saejoon Oh

Saejoon Oh, born in Seoul in 1965, is a licensed acupuncturist and healthcare professional based in Koreatown, Los Angeles. From a young age, he aspired to become a doctor or establish a senior care and wellness center to support the elderly. Drawn to the freedom and open spaces of the United States, he immigrated to pursue a life where he could follow his passions without the societal constraints often found in Korea. Currently, he operates an acupuncture clinic in Koreatown while also developing a community health center that integrates both Western medicine and traditional Korean medicine. He strongly believes in the healing power of Korean traditional medicine, which differs from its Chinese counterpart by focusing on individual body constitutions rather than just symptoms. Through his work, he remains committed to blending ancient healing  with modern medical practices to provide great care for his community.

What is your name, age, and place of birth?

My name is Oh Saejoon. I was born in Seoul, Korea. I was born in 1965 and I’m 59 years old.

How do you identify by generation, race, ethnicity, gender, or preferred pronouns?

I would define myself as “a person who wants to be a free person and a free spirit.” I want to be a bit free in spirit, and I want to be a free person who lives on my own terms even within the social systems and various environments of which I am a part.   

You said your place of birth is Seoul. Did you grow up there?

Yes, I was born in Seoul, grew up in Seoul, and lived in Seoul until I came to the United States.

So what was your childhood like in Seoul?

When I reflect on my childhood, I remember always being alone and feeling a bit depressed. I think I spent a lot of time alone, reading books and pondering why I was born and what life was supposed to be about. From elementary school to middle school and high school, that topic was always on my mind. 

What was your dream back then, your childhood dream, or your hope for the future?

When I was young, my dream was always to become a doctor. If I didn’t become a doctor, I wanted to work in a senior care-related business, such as running a senior nursing home and caring for the elderly. 

Tell me about your family at that time. How many were there in your family, and what did your parents do for a living?

There were five of us in my family, including my parents and two younger sisters. My father worked at a company, and my mother was a teacher. 

So you immigrated to the United States in what year–

I immigrated to the United States in late June 1996.

Could you please tell me your age and a little bit about your background at that time?

 I was 32 years old at that time. I ran a small business and taught as a private academy instructor. 

So you graduated from college in Korea?

Yes, I completed my undergraduate studies in Korea.

So the name of your university and your major were–

I went to Seoul National University, and I majored in agriculture.  

So can you tell me about your work experience in Korea before immigrating to the United States?

After graduating, I continued to work as a private tutor and instructor at a private academy. Since I enjoyed teaching, many people wanted me to tutor their children, so I continued working as a private tutor and instructor at a private academy. And with the extra money I had, I started a small business. 

You immigrated to the United States at a relatively older age. What was the main reason and motivation for that?

Before I immigrated to the United States, I came here for a short visit. After staying at a friend’s house for about a month, I thought that “living in the United States would be really fun and a great challenge,” so I wanted to come and live here. 

So what is the difference between living in the United States and living in Korea?

Korean society tends to emphasize the importance of formality and the opinions of others, whereas in the United States, I felt I could live freely on my own terms and my soul would be more free. Also since the United States is a big country, I thought I could live here and make the most of this space to my heart’s content. That’s why I came to the United States. 

You talked about your work experience in Korea earlier. Can you briefly tell me about your work experience in the United States?

Instead of starting a career in computer- or car-related fields or getting so-called American-style jobs at a relatively older age, I chose to study traditional Korean medicine and pursue a career in this field because it was the most Korean profession through which I could share Korean spirit and was very similar to being a doctor, which was my original dream.

So you settled in Koreatown when you immigrated to the United States?

Yes, that’s right. Koreatown was the first place that I came to, and since then I have been so comfortable here that I have now been living here for 30 years.   

So are you still living and working in Koreatown?

Yes, I have a house in Koreatown and my work is also in Koreatown which is only five minutes away so it’s very convenient and nice.  

So you have lived in Koreatown for nearly 30 years. What are your thoughts on Koreatown?

First of all, Koreatown is located in the center of LA, so it is easily accessible from anywhere in the city, and it is a place where all cultures meet, so I think this is very good. The only thing I am worried about is safety which has gotten worse recently. 

Which memory of Koreatown stands out the most to you?

 The memory that stands out the most about Koreatown would be the 2002 World Cup game when Koreans gathered in groups on the Wilshire and Serrano sides of Koreatown to cheer. It was both very moving and memorable. 

Do you have a favorite spot in Koreatown?

My favorite spot in Koreatown is Harold A Henry Park, located at the corner of 9th and Windsor. I like that park because it’s filled with fond memories. I used to sit at the park and meditate, feeling peaceful. I have always felt that the role of this park in the city is so important. 

Now, I would like to ask you a question about healing. How would you describe your healing activities or practices?  If you only express them in Korean, or is there an English expression?

 Oh, do you mean how I communicate when I’m treating someone? I communicate the process of treatment in English, also.

I’m not sure if I understand it correctly, but I view my method of treatment as the healing process. It’s the healing process that elevates our physical and mental health to a better condition, and I think I’m a healer who fits that definition. 

Yes, I think that’s a good answer. So can you explain how traditional Korean medicine differs from traditional Chinese medicine?

Firstly, although both traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Korean medicine originated in Asia, the way each traditional medicine developed over the years is very different. For example, China has advanced a lot in terms of pharmacology and drug administration, while the principles of acupuncture were developed in Korea, where acupuncture originated. Furthermore, while traditional Chinese medicine evolved over about 2,000 to 3,000 years focusing on treating symptoms, traditional Korean medicine is based on working with the physical constitution. So although they may appear to be similar on the surface, there are significant differences between them. 

So when did you start studying traditional Korean medicine, and can you describe a specific company? 

I began studying traditional Korean medicine when I came to the United States and became interested in it. And I joined a medical volunteer team and continued with my practice. 

So that was your first experience?

Yes, it was. 

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Then where do you think your motivation to heal people comes from? 

First of all, there were many people who were sick but couldn’t get proper treatment, and because the American health insurance system isn’t well established, there were many who weren’t able to access adequate care. Also there were cases where modern medicine reached its limitations and could no longer be the course of treatment that patients needed; I wanted to treat them by improving their natural immune system. 

Do you think it’s related to your childhood experiences or religion or influenced by them?

There is a religious influence, but I think it has more to do with my personal philosophy. What I mean is that we live our lives to be happy, but if I make something just for myself, then that happiness will not last long. For example, I can have fun having a party but as soon as the party ends, there is a sense of emptiness one may feel; whereas when I help and treat others and see their health improve, it brings me more lasting happiness. 

So how do you utilize traditional Korean medicine in your everyday life? 

 I think everything in our daily lives is very closely related to traditional Korean medicine. Traditional Korean medicine is about applying our nature and its laws to the human body. For example, if we consider a plant, the root represents the head of the plant and the stem serves as the torso or trunk of the human body. The flowers and seeds are like the reproductive organs. So if you have a headache, it’s beneficial to consume the roots of the plant; if your stomach or back hurts, then you can take out something from the trunk and eat it. For instance, when “there is a problem with a woman's uterus or other reproductive organs,” eating seeds or something similar can be beneficial and this is the natural healing method that truly suggests a methodology for nature and humans to coexist in harmony. When we say, “I’m having indigestion. I have a cold”, we think we have to take a lot of medication, but in traditional Korean medicine, we resolve it with food. For example, when you experience indigestion or feel bloated and stuffy, we usually eat radish. Once we eat radish, we can feel the relief and be able to burp out the gas. I believe the foods that we eat every day are closely connected to the natural healing process and traditional Korean medicine.    

So you are someone who practices traditional Korean medicine in the United States.

Yes.

Is there any difficulty that comes with that or have you ever felt misunderstood by others? 

Yes, in Korea and throughout Asia, traditional medicine is quite well known but in the United States, even though the awareness of traditional medicine is growing, only 2% of Americans are familiar with acupuncture and other types of traditional medicine. And there are many people who think that the treatment itself is a superstition. I believe we can look at it this way: without direct proof of God, we still have religion and people believe in God. There are outcomes that indicate treating people according to the flow of energy is beneficial for the human body even though it hasn’t been proven yet. Furthermore, even though energy flows are not visible to our naked eyes, the advancing quantum mechanics has shown the existence of energy flows and its benefits. As science advances further, the value of traditional medicine will become more widely recognized. It is a pity that Americans are still not really aware of the value of traditional medicine.

So when patients are sick, they come to you, right? But when you are sick or feel the need to heal, whom do you go to?

First of all, I diligently visit the dentist and periodically. If I have a problem with my bones or have injured ligaments, then I would visit a medical doctor. However, the way I see it is that the most important thing is to eat food, and do breathing exercises. Next, incorporating self-care routines in our daily lives such as not drinking too much, not smoking, getting proper exercise, is enough to stay healthy. So I never went to the hospital while I was living in the United States, except to go to the dentist. I was asked to take a blood test during my green card interview once, but other than that, I have been in good health so far.    

I would like to switch gears. I heard that you know a lot about Feng Shui and are almost like a master. Please tell us about it and I would also like to know your thoughts on it. 

Feng Shui originated from the question of what kind of natural environment would make our bodies healthier. So when you have a healthy body and a good vibe, fame and wealth follow; therefore, I think Feng Shui is really beneficial. Just as we consider Feng Shui and land to be of importance, we should think of our bodies as an important piece of land. In fact, about 60% of the acupuncture points on our bodies are related to the names of the land and Feng Shui. Some people cannot determine whether it is a good land or not but if we purify our energy and clear our souls then we can discern where the energy is good or bad ourselves. Until we can do that on our own, I think maintaining our health and body is one way of Feng Shui.     

Okay, now let’s move on to the next question. Tell me about your workplace. In which neighborhood is it located, and how is it organized? 

I have a traditional Korean medicine clinic in Koreatown. While I maintain the clinic, I am currently in the process of building a public health center, a community health center. The structure of the community health center is based on western medicine with traditional Korean medicine added to it so the full name is almost similar to that of a Western doctor or medical clinic. The traditional Korean medicine clinic that I run has an atmosphere similar to a “gen center”. Patients who come to our clinic receive treatment in a relaxed state of mind, and if they want, I also teach various meditation techniques and other practices.    

Who are your clients? Are there Korean clients as well?

Yes. About 60 to 70% of my clients are Koreans, many of whom live in Koreatown. About 30% are non-Koreans. Some non-Korean clients visit our clinic to check their bodies and energy periodically, while others come to me after experiencing the limitations of Western medicine treatment that they received, and want to improve their health. 

What are the challenges that come with running a clinic in the United States?

First of all, insurance coverage for acupuncture and traditional medicine is too low. So some people try to get treatment by paying out of pocket, but it is a big burden. So I hope the insurance premiums are set a little higher so that they can get better quality treatment.  

Among the younger and older generations, which generation do you think would benefit more from traditional treatment?

First of all, traditional Korean medicine is very helpful for people with chronic diseases, so it will be helpful for the elderly. However, many young people also come here for problems such as ankle injuries and sprains. And I think the best thing about traditional Korean medicine is that it plays a significant role in preventive medicine. Therefore, regardless of age or generation, if everyone understands the basic theory of traditional Korean medicine and follows it, I think they will be able to live healthier lives without getting sick.   

How do you find a balance between traditional and modern methods of treatment?

Traditional medicine is very effective, but it is not without its limitations. That’s why I think it’s very important to strike a balance between Western medicine and traditional Eastern medicine. For example, if someone comes to me with a sprain but also has a fracture, treating the sprain won’t work. In that case, if the person has symptoms of a fracture, it’s important to get an x-ray to confirm it. If a woman comes to me with CS or fibroid problems, it is important to know the progress and stage of the disease she has. So assessing the progress of the disease, its rates or checking the size of the fibroid requires an intervention of modern medicine such as ultrasound. I think it’s very important to find a  balance between these two types of medicine.     

What do you think would happen if traditional methods of treatment became more widely known and respected?

It’s unfortunate that modern medicine views humans as machines. If something hurts, they give medication. If there’s a tumor, they remove it, right? If there’s bacteria, they use antibiotics to kill them. Of course, antibiotics have their benefits, but what’s good about traditional Korean medicine is this: if you have an old piece of art, for example, a painting by Leonardo da Vinci, you wouldn't handle it carelessly, right? You would restore it with great care so that it wouldn’t get damaged. Similarly, the advantage of traditional Korean medicine is that it considers individuals as treasures. Its approach minimizes any harm to the body while maximizing therapeutic effect. That’s why I believe traditional Korean medicine, unlike modern medicine, treats the human body with full respect and regards it as a treasure. 

How do you imagine traditional methods of treatment will change in the future?

I think that in the future, modern medicine will eventually reach the limits of its current methods of treating diseases. That’s why much of the medical concept is shifting toward preventive medicine. I think if the concept of traditional Korean medicine is accepted within the field of modern medicine, we can advance toward preventive medicine. For example, consider coffee. Coffee may be beneficial for some people, but for others it can cause heart problems. Some studies indicate that coffee is good while other studies argue that it is bad. Some say it’s good, and some say it’s bad. The reason for these different findings is a lack of understanding of human body constitution. So for one type of body constitution, coffee may be an effective medicine but for other types of body constitution, coffee may cause heart problems, insomnia, or anxiety. Because these topics are not understood well in modern medicine, tests and studies in modern medicine yield different results. But by understanding traditional Korean medicine, these problems can be addressed clearly. For example, I mentioned coffee, but the same applies to exercise. For example, some people feel that their bodies become refreshed and healthy when they sweat a lot while those with different types of body constitution may find sweating to be exhausting, leaving them unable to move or lacking strength. Understanding your own body constitution in this way is knowing your own body’s manual. So, what’s good for one person may not be good for others. So, if we embrace this perspective in modern medicine, I believe it will really play a significant role in preventive medicine.

I have a question I would like to ask you: do you have your own special method of treatment?

Here is an example of my method of treatment. Let’s say there is a sprain. A patient comes in with a sprain, usually the affected area is cupped or stimulated. This would drain the bad blood and would improve right away. However, this would mean losing blood from the body, right? In my method of treatment, I wouldn’t do that. I would treat the injury in a way that maintains the person’s energy by focusing on different points. Let’s consider applying acupuncture in an affected area. When we turn on the light, we don’t touch the light bulb to turn it on and off. We use the switch. Likewise, what’s good about my method of treatment is that I understand a little bit more about the methodology involving switches that affect all parts of our bodies. So I provide treatments that minimize the act of turning the light bulb on and off by operating the switch, thereby bringing the energetic benefit that is the most beneficial to the person.

Now we are already in the final stage of this interview. You can take your time to think about these questions. When was the happiest moment of your life? 

Korean parents have this in common; they are happier when their children are happy than when they are happy. So for me, I was truly happy when my daughter got accepted to go to college and chose to major in what she wanted. As for happiness in my daily life, driving on the 1 Freeway from Santa Monica to Oxnard makes me really happy.   

This may be a difficult question, but when was your saddest moment?

The saddest thing was when I genuinely trusted and did my best for someone, only to be hurt by them. When I realized that I had been betrayed by someone I trusted so much, I felt more upset about myself than about that person. Still, I couldn’t help but trust others. How can I live my life doubting people? Yet, when the damage was too great, I felt very sad about it. Whenever I keep reminding myself that people are entities to be loved and not trusted, I feel a little sad. 

So, who was the kind and good person in your life? 

Without a doubt, that would be my mother and my family. Besides them, there is a person I met in Koreatown who was not only kind to me but also to others. It was someone named Kay Jin and another person who was also kind to everyone was Jeong Ho-hyung from KYCC whom I think is very kind and warm-hearted.  

How is your life now different from what you imagined and planned for as a child?

I think my life is very much similar to the one that I have imagined when I was young. The only difference is that, financially, I thought I would be very wealthy and comfortable, able to give a lot to a lot of people. However, living in the United States, I’m busy paying my own bills and managing my own life. Aside from being financially successful or becoming very rich, I think I’m living a life similar to what I have imagined.  

Now, this is the last question. Is there a message or words you would like to leave for your children, grandchildren, their children, and future generations?

Well, here are my thoughts. I would say do whatever you want to do as long as it doesn’t harm anyone. Do your best in what you want to do. And if possible, within the reasonable scope of things, if there are ways to help many people, do your best instead of following a group and their interests over individuals. For example, if you take the idea of working hard to benefit others the wrong way, you can fall into collectivism. So if you try hard for a group of people in one way, you might unintentionally harm others. So do your best at things that benefit everyone. When I said it was good that my daughter got accepted into her college, my daughter actually wanted to become a pharmacist or a doctor or something like that for a stable income. However, as I spent a lot of time with my daughter in nature, camping, and diving, she realized that environmental conditions were worsening. And I think she felt that she could devote herself to this cause, so she applied and got into environmental science study. I really want to applaud that. Yes.     

That concludes the interview. Thank you, sir. 

Yes. Thank you for your hard work.