Trauma is the leading cause of mortality and disability for Koreans under age 44. In Korea, 35.2% of trauma deaths are preventable. Currently, a trauma care system is just beginning to be established in Korea. Optimal trauma care systems have the potential to significantly reduce trauma-related mortality. For patients with severe injuries, getting care at a trauma center lowers the risk of mortality by 15-25%. An optimal trauma care system provides care with a well-functioning, comprehensive system from pre-hospital trauma care through the rehabilitation stages. A trauma care system should also include disaster preparedness and education and training to the public, and to paramedics and trauma-related medical personnel. An optimal trauma care system will give the right treatment to the right patients at the right place and time. The components of optimal trauma systems include trauma center designation; the existence of trauma advisory groups; trauma registry use for quality control; current field triage guidelines; trauma system involvement in emergency preparedness planning; and national funding sources.