What is Donguibogam?
When you see “Hanbang” on Korean skincare or wellness products, you’re encountering wisdom that traces back to one extraordinary book: Donguibogam.
Donguibogam, meaning “Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine,” is a 25-volume medical encyclopedia compiled in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. Published in 1613, this comprehensive guide has shaped traditional medicine practices across East Asia for over four centuries.
The book’s significance extends far beyond its historical value. In 2009, UNESCO added Donguibogam to its Memory of the World Register. Then in 2011, UNESCO selected the 400th anniversary of its publication as an official anniversary to celebrate—the first time a Korean anniversary received this honor.
Why does a 400-year-old medical text still matter today? Because Donguibogam introduced revolutionary ideas about wellness that remain relevant: treating the whole person, preventing illness before it starts, and using natural ingredients to restore balance.
The Man Behind the Book: Heo Jun
Heo Jun (1539-1615) served as the royal physician to King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty. In 1596, the king commissioned him to compile a comprehensive medical guide that would make healthcare accessible to all Koreans.
The timing could not have been worse. That same year, the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) began, devastating the peninsula. The project was interrupted, and the chaos of war nearly destroyed everything.
But Heo Jun persisted. Even when sent into exile after King Seonjo’s death in 1608, he continued writing. Drawing from over 150 medical texts from Korea and China, he finally completed the 25 volumes in 1610.
The word “Dongui” in the title was a deliberate choice. It means “Eastern Medicine,” distinguishing Korean medical knowledge from Chinese medicine. Heo Jun was declaring that Korea had developed its own medical expertise equal to China’s—a bold statement of national identity through medicine.
What Makes Donguibogam Revolutionary?
Donguibogam wasn’t just another medical book—it fundamentally changed how medicine was organized and practiced.
Human Body as the Organizing Principle
While Chinese and Japanese medical texts of that era organized information by disease, Donguibogam organized everything around the human body. Its five sections reflect this approach:
- Naegyeong (Internal): Essence, energy, spirit, blood, and internal organs
- Oehyeong (External): Head, face, eyes, skin, hands, and limbs
- Japbyeong (Diseases): Causes, symptoms, and treatments
- Tangaek (Herbal Medicine): How to collect, process, and prescribe medicinal substances
- Chimgu (Acupuncture): Acupuncture and moxibustion techniques
Prevention Over Cure
Donguibogam emphasized preventing illness and maintaining health rather than just treating disease. This holistic approach—caring for body and mind together—was revolutionary for its time and aligns perfectly with modern wellness philosophy.
Accessible to Everyone
Heo Jun listed 637 locally available medicinal ingredients with their Korean names in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This made the knowledge accessible to ordinary people, not just scholars who could read Classical Chinese.
A Legacy Across Asia
Donguibogam’s influence spread far beyond Korea. Chinese and Japanese physicians eagerly sought copies of the book. When Chinese envoys visited Korea, they invariably requested Donguibogam.
Japan published the book first, giving Japanese doctors early access to its wisdom. Once China recognized its value, Donguibogam was published there more than 30 times. The book also reached Vietnam, contributing to traditional medicine development throughout East Asia.
Today, Donguibogam remains a practical reference for clinicians practicing traditional Korean medicine. Its principles—understanding the body as an interconnected system, using natural ingredients, and prioritizing prevention—continue to guide modern Hanbang formulations.
OVER THE WENZDAY: Donguibogam Wisdom in Modern Wellness
At OVER THE WENZDAY, our founder—a Doctor of Korean Medicine with 21 years of clinical experience—draws directly from the Donguibogam tradition. Our products feature ingredients trusted for centuries: ginseng for vitality, peony for muscle relief, rhubarb for skin soothing.
Emerald Sparkling Day
Our effervescent bath fizz blends 16 traditional Hanbang extracts, including many ingredients documented in Donguibogam. The rich carbonation creates fine bubbles that enhance absorption while delivering deep, full-body relaxation.
Foot Relaxing Day
This mint-colored foot soak gel combines Epsom salt with Hanbang extracts. The gentle gel formula keeps water warm longer while the forest scent helps release tension after a long day.
Foot Healing Day
Designed for post-workout recovery, this sunset-colored gel combines MSM with Hanbang extracts to soothe inflammation and muscle fatigue.
Jelly Blossom Day
This pink jelly bath transforms water into a soft, sensory experience to share with loved ones. Five traditional herbal extracts nourish while rose water and argan oil leave skin soft and hydrated.
Experience the wisdom of Donguibogam in your daily wellness routine. Four hundred years of Korean medical knowledge, reimagined for modern relaxation.
