PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine medical professionals' perception and knowledge of hospice and palliative care (HPC) and attitude toward death. METHODS: The survey was performed on 84 physicians and 172 nurses in Busan, Korea. Data were collected from April 5, 2012 to April 30, 2012. RESULTS: Regarding the purpose of HPC, the most popular perception was "To alleviate pain and accommodate comfort" among both physicians and nurses. For the need for HPC, "Terminal patients need a separate ward for emotional fluctuation" the answer chosen by both groups the most. Both groups scored low on knowledge of HPC. For pain and symptom management, physicians scored higher than nurses (physicians: 6.97+/-1.82, nurses: 5.68+/-1.93, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Considering the survey results, we suggest development of a program to improve medical professionals' perception and knowledge of HPC and attitude toward death.