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| The first edition of "Donguibogam" kept at the National Library of Korea is shown in this photo. The first three editions of the Oriental medical book series were designated as National Treasures by the Cultural Heritage Administration, Monday. / Courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Administration |
By Baek Byung-yeul
"Donguibogam," an encyclopedic Oriental medicine book written in the 17th century during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), has been designated as a National Treasure, the highest status of Korea's cultural assets, the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) announced Monday.
"The first edition of the three sets of the medical books printed in 1613 has been promoted to the status of National Treasures from the current lower-level status of Treasure," the CHA said, adding the move came after considering the edition's value in studying Korea's medical history and its global significance as a UNESCO's Memory of the World Register item.
Following King Seonjo's order, royal physician Heo Jun (1539 – 1615) compiled the country's oldest medical book series comprised of 25 volumes and published them in 1613.
Three editions which have been preserved at three different archives ― the National Library of Korea, the Academy of Korean Studies and the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies ― are designated as the country's National Treasure No. 319-1, 319-2 and 319-3, respectively.
The CHA added it will keep cooperating with the local government and relevant agencies responsible for managing national treasures in order to preserve the medical books in the best condition.
The book, literally meaning "Mirror of Eastern Medicine," was listed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2009.
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