In the context of early 20th-century Korea, the establishment of Jahyewon as a clinic for Hansen's disease patients represented a significant development in public health policies. The clinic was part of a broader initiative by the Governor-General of Korea, who sought to minimize the spread of leprosy, a condition that carried social stigma and was often poorly understood. Sorokdo Island, chosen for its isolation, became associated with leprosy treatment as the government aimed to create a controlled environment for those afflicted by this condition. The clinic provided medical attention and aimed to improve the quality of life for those segregated from the general population. Over time, Jahyewon would become one of the country’s most notable institutions for treating Hansen's disease patients, where individuals could receive care away from societal prejudice.

The location of Jahyewon on a remote island also highlighted the effort to contain and manage infectious diseases at a time when medical knowledge was limited. Facilities like Jahyewon were crucial in changing how society dealt with patients, moving from outright rejection to attempts at care, albeit under confinement. This change in approach reflected broader societal shifts regarding disease treatment during a period of modernization in Korea. Medical staff at the clinic were tasked with managing not just the physical health of the patients but also attempting to mitigate the social consequences of the disease.

Throughout its operation, Jahyewon faced challenges, including the evolution of medical understanding surrounding leprosy, societal attitudes, and political changes in Korea. As the years progressed, the stigma surrounding Hansen's disease would gradually diminish, but institutions like Jahyewon remained a focal point of medical practices regarding leprosy treatment for decades to come.