The purpose of this paper is to describe and document how Korean music therapy has developed during its twenty year history. An account of its origin beginning in the 1990s —along with historical reports such as conferences, centers, publishing journals, certifications and continuing education system, and activities in and outside community— will be given. In particular, four unique aspects to the development of Korean music therapy will be explored. (1) The biannual special 15-week lecture series on music therapy that was open to the general public in Korea had an important role in promoting awareness of the field; in the past 20 years, over 13,000 people have attended these lectures. (2) Korea readily adapted already well-established music therapy models from the beginning and rigorously focused on the development of these training programs (e.g. GIM, N-R Improvisation, and Vocal Psychotherapy). (3) There was a strong emphasis on providing a music therapy job market; Sookmyung music therapy centers were opened right after the first graduate music therapists matriculated from the program and provided opportunities for career advancement. (4) People have kept the pioneer spirit from the beginning. Beyond the offerings of music therapy to the general public, there has also been an emphasis on using music therapy for outreach of specific populations endemic to Korea, such as North Korean refugees. Finally, this paper will discuss some of the ongoing issues and barriers to the development of a unified certification system for music therapists in Korea—in particular the dissonance between hospital internship periods and the academic calendar for students in music therapy programs.