A Seoul Catholic medical center plans to build a special hospital for marginalized people.

Father Remigio Lee Dong-ik, CEO of the Catholic Medical Center (CMC) made the announcement to mark the completion of his first year in the post.

“I am planning to build a charity hospital for the poor in the compound of Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital,” Father Lee told ucanews.com. The 100-bed hospital will be “totally free,” he said.

The CMC will hold a Respect Life Week from Oct. 4-9 to raise funds for the project.

The week will include a series of events including special lectures by celebrities, a photo exhibition and Mass as well as a fundraising bazaar and walkathon.

During the event, the CMC will also launch a nationwide campaign to promote the culture of life, Father Lee added.

To fund the charity hospital over the long term, CMC is also launching a Respect Life Fund, which Father Lee is already promoting through his Twitter account.

“The money raised through Twitter is not large but I hope more people join the culture of sharing,” he explained.

“There are several hospitals for the marginalized in South Korea but they only offer simple medical treatment,” Father Lee said. “Therefore, a charity hospital offering general-hospital level service to the poor is needed," he added.

“The basic spirit of CMC is charity and we will build the hospital in order to maintain that spirit,” he said.

The CMC currently comprises eight hospitals including Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital.

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