Dongsan Hospital traces its origins back to the missionary efforts of Woodbridge O. Johnson, who established Jaejungwon within Jaeil Church in the Yakjun Street of Daegu-Gyeongbuk region on behalf of the US Presbyterian Church. This marked the introduction of Western medicine to the area.

In 1903, Jaejungwon relocated to Dongsandong, where it embarked on a public healthcare campaign. The institution provided treatment for endemic diseases, conducted smallpox vaccinations, and opened a leprosy care center (now known as Aerakwon) in 1909 to address the prevalent leprosy cases in Korea at the time. Under the leadership of Archibald G. Fletcher, the second director, Jaejungwon underwent a name change and became Dongsan Presbyterian Hospital. In 1921, the hospital formed an evangelist group that established 147 churches and spread the gospel through medical services and missions in remote areas. This tradition of Christian love, initiated by staff members who voluntarily donated 1% of their salary, continues to thrive as the Dongsan Medical Mission and Welfare Association.

In 1949, Howard F. Moffett became the seventh director and spearheaded extensive fundraising campaigns within Korea and abroad. These efforts aimed to expand the hospital's infrastructure and acquire advanced medical equipment, transforming Dongsan Hospital into a comprehensive medical center. Investments in medical education and international training programs in the 1960s and 1970s propelled the hospital's rapid development and enhanced its medical services.

In 1980, Dongsan Hospital merged with Keimyung University, resulting in the establishment of Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center (DSMC) in 1982. This transformative merger allowed DSMC to provide not only medical treatment and missions but also education and research. Anchored by the School of Medicine, College of Nursing, Dongsan Hospital(Seongseo), Daegu Dongsan Hospital, and Gyeongju Dongsan Hospital, DSMC continues the legacy of its missionary founders by engaging in overseas medical volunteering initiatives in countries such as Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Nepal, Ethiopia, and others.

Today, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center leads the way in future medicine through its School of Medicine, College of Nursing, Dongsan Hospital(Seongseo), Daegu Dongsan Hospital, and Gyeongju Dongsan Hospital. In 2019, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital relocated to a state-of-the-art smart hospital building on the main campus in Seongseo. With 26 clinical departments, 1,012 beds, and a staff of 3,500, it stands as one of the largest hospitals in the region.

Dongsan Hospital consistently earns top rankings in various government evaluations and operates specialized centers focused on the treatment of severe diseases, including the Cardiocerebrovascular Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Organ Transplant Center. The hospital's commitment to advancing medical technology also attracts international medical professionals and patients, contributing to the promotion of Korea's healthcare services on a global scale.