After liberation from Japan, Korea faced a severe shortage of modern medical professionals and a devastated health infrastructure, worsened by the Korean War. Korea’s rapid medical advancement in later decades was achieved largely through a human resource–centered approach rather than reliance on material aid. The Minnesota Project (1954–1961), led by the United States, rebuilt Seoul National University’s College of Medicine and trained faculty in advanced clinical and educational methods, laying the foundation for institutional reform. The China Medical Board Project (1963–1986) continued this momentum, promoting self-development and research capacity through matching funds and broader academic exchange. These initiatives fit within an innovation diffusion framework, as knowledge and practices spread nationwide. Korea’s experience highlights how investing in human capital and institutional learning can drive sustainable health system transformation.