The 5th edition of 『KSE Textbook of Echocardiography』 has been published. Since its initial publication in 2003, 『KSE Textbook of Echocardiography』, the official textbook of the Korean Society of Echocardiography, has served as the standard foundational reference for healthcare professionals.

The 5th edition holds significant importance as the first and only medical textbook in Korea to be published simultaneously in print and as a fully revamped e-book, integrating an extensive collection of illustrations and videos into a single unified platform. Users can go beyond simple reading to build a ‘personalized textbook’ experience through search, annotation, and bookmark functions, with full accessibility across a wide range of devices including computers, smartphones, and tablets, anytime and anywhere. QR codes have also been incorporated throughout the print edition, allowing readers to instantly access relevant video content on demand.

In terms of content, the 5th edition not only provides a systematic foundation in core echocardiography knowledge, but also actively reflects the increasingly pivotal role that echocardiography plays in diagnosis and monitoring within the latest pharmacological treatments and interventional procedures. In doing so, the textbook aims to strike a balanced integration of the clinical insight and practical approach required of cardiovascular specialists.

The compilation of the 5th edition spanned approximately one and a half years, beginning in March 2024. Manuscripts contributed by leading domestic echocardiography experts, along with a wide range of imaging materials, were brought together through a rigorous process of editing and proofreading. Professor Park Seong-Mi, Chair of the Textbook Publication Committee, stated, "Beyond the weight of responsibility that comes with publishing the official textbook of the Korean Society of Echocardiography, the process of simultaneously launching a fully integrated e-book tailored for the next-generation educational environment required an even greater level of effort and focus." She added, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the members of the Publication Committee and all the authors for their unwavering dedication.”

We expect the new 5th edition of 『KSE Textbook of Echocardiography』 to become a cornerstone for medical education while being widely utilized as an indispensable manual for accurate patient diagnosis and effective clinical decision-making.