He Deguang

Keywords: Korean medicine, Korean prescription,  Pojewon, Yangnyeongshi, Sasang Constitutional Medicine

In late January 2025, during my trip back home to visit family, I made a special stop in Seoul to explore traditional Korean medicine, known in Korea as Hanbang (韓方, Korean Oriental Medicine).
Upon exiting Jegi-dong subway station in Seoul, I was greeted by a bustling street lined with numerous shops selling agricultural and herbal products. What caught my eye the most were the familiar medicinal herbs—some sold in bulk, others neatly packaged. Most of the labels were in Korean, but occasionally, I spotted Chinese characters, such as 黄耆 (Huangqi, Astragalus). Before long, I found myself in front of a magnificent paifang (Chinese-style gateway), reminiscent of the traditional flying eave architecture seen in China. The inscription on the gateway read “Yangnyeongsi Market” (藥令市, Korean Medicine Market). Later, I had the opportunity to speak with Director Kim at the museum, who introduced me to the history of Yangnyeongsi Market.

According to Director Kim, Yangnyeongsi Market originated around 1905. At that time, Seoul was much smaller than it is today. This area, located in the eastern part of the city and close to the mountains, became a trading hub for medicinal herbs as people gathered them from the mountains and sold them here. Over time, this location evolved into a major herbal trading center.The name ” Yangnyeongsi Market” reflects its purpose:

• “Yang” (藥) means medicinal herbs and materials,
• “nyeong” (令) signifies regulation and standardization,
• “Si” (市) means market.

Together, the name represents a regulated herbal medicine market.

Stepping into the market through the grand gateway, I experienced a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The air was filled with the rich aroma of herbal medicine, while the clean streets and well-designed modern storefronts provided a sense of comfort and reliability. Approximately 70% of Korea’s medicinal herbs are traded in this market. Covering an area of about 2.5 square kilometers, the market consists of over a dozen crisscrossing streets and nine main entrance gates. It is home to thousands of herbal medicine shops, pharmacies, and clinics.

We stopped by a traditional Korean tea house along the roadside and enjoyed a cup of herbal tea. Sitting in the antique wooden tea house, surrounded by dark brown wooden beams and pillars, I savored the warm, slightly bitter, and mildly spicy taste of Shuanghua Tea (雙花茶), a popular Korean herbal tea. Accompanying the tea were two Korean rice cakes. I took my time, letting the heat and herbal essence soak into my senses, immersing myself in the Korean people’s deep appreciation for herbal traditions. 
We then walked into a courtyard enclosed by a traditional Korean-style building. In the center stood a large medicine pot inscribed with the Chinese character “藥” (Medicine) in traditional script. This was our destination—the Seoul Korean Medicine Center .

Although the museum had not officially opened for the day, we were fortunate to meet Director Kim, who was kind enough to introduce us to the center.

According to Director Kim, the museum was built on the historical site of Bojewon (普濟院, Bojewon), an institution with deep historical significance. Bojewon was founded during the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897 CE) as a royally sanctioned medical and welfare institution.

The original meaning of Bojewon is “to provide universal relief and salvation” (普濟, meaning to aid and care for all people). It served a dual purpose:

1. As a medical facility—treating common people suffering from illnesses.
2. As a welfare institution—offering social aid to impoverished citizens.

In the early Joseon period, Bojewon operated under the direct authorization of the king. As we stood before a scaled-down model of the ancient Bojewon buildings, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for the wise and compassionate rulers who established hospitals for their people.

However, with the passage of time and the decline of the Joseon Dynasty, Bojewon gradually lost its function. Despite this, the tradition of using herbal medicine for prevention and treatment continued among the people. The herbal trade around Bojewon flourished, eventually evolving into today’s Yangnyeongsi Market.

To honor the legacy of Bojewon, the Korean government built the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center on its historical site, designed in traditional Joseon-style architecture.

Director Kim explained that the mission of the Center is to carry forward Bojewon’s original spirit—caring for the vulnerable and practicing benevolence. The center serves as a hub for educating younger generations about traditional Korean medicine and aims to preserve, promote, and develop this medical heritage for the future.

Afterward, we visited the museum on the second floor to learn about the origins and development of Korean medicine.

Hanbang traces its roots back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 CE), with the completion of “Hyangyak Gugeupbang” (《鄉藥救急方》) in 1236, which laid the foundation for traditional Korean medicine.

During the Joseon Dynasty, in 1445, the “Uibang Yuchwi” (《醫方類聚》) was published, compiling the essence of medical knowledge at the time. This medical compendium was created by Korean physicians, who meticulously collected and edited medical texts from China’s Tang, Song, Yuan, and early Ming dynasties, as well as medical texts from Goryeo.

One of the most highly regarded works, “Donguibogam” (《東醫寶鑑》), was completed in 1610 and officially published in 1613. This monumental book was compiled by the Joseon royal physician Heo Jun (許浚) under the order of King Gwanghaegun (光海君) and took 14 years to complete. The book systematically organized the traditional medical knowledge of Korea, China, and Japan, and its influence was profound. It has been honored as “The Treasure of Eastern Medicine.” In Seoul, there is even a memorial site for Heo Jun, which visitors can explore to pay tribute to his contributions.

Later, Yi Jema (李濟馬) (1837-1900 CE) founded “Sasang Medicine” (四象醫學, Four Constitutional Medicine), which became a unique aspect of Korean medicine. He classified human constitutions into four types:

1. Tae-Yang (太陽人, Greater Yang)
2. So-Yang (少陽人, Lesser Yang)
3. Tae-Eum (太陰人, Greater Yin)
4. So-Eum (少陰人, Lesser Yin)

This system has been widely used in diagnosis and treatment (see the introduction to Sasang Medicine at the end of this article).

The museum also showcased numerous ancient medical texts, all printed in traditional Chinese characters. In addition, there were exhibits of herbal medicines, animal- and plant-based remedies, rare medicinal ingredients, and toxic herbs, as well as traditional tools for herbal preparation. The museum also documented seasonal medicine-taking traditions and daily medicinal diets from ancient Korea.

Interestingly, the museum featured interactive exhibits, such as Korean medicine knowledge quizzes and art activities. I tried a few quiz questions—and got them all wrong!

Third-Floor Experience Activities

The third floor was dedicated to hands-on experiences, including a kitchen for medicinal cuisine, a massage room, and a foot bath therapy pool. The museum aims to spread traditional medicine through engaging and accessible experiences for the public.

Additionally, on the first floor, there was an interactive section where visitors could try on traditional Joseon-era clothing. Since these traditional garments consist of multiple layers, staff assistance was required to dress properly.

From this experience, it was evident that Korea takes great pride in its cultural heritage.

TwoReflections:

1. The Influence of Chinese Medicine on Korean Medicine (Hanbang)

The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) was the longest-lasting feudal dynasty in the history of the Korean Peninsula. It was deeply influenced by China during the Chinese Ming and Qing eras. The proximity with Northeast China, the similarity in growing conditions, such as soil and climate, led to overlapping types of medicinal herbs and common patterns of diseases.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an integral part of Chinese culture, so its transmission to Korea (Joseon Dynasty) was a natural process of adoption along with other aspects of Chinese culture. Many Hanbang theories and treatment methods are similar to those in Chinese medicine. It can be said that in the formation and development of Hanbang, it was heavily influenced by Chinese medicine, while also developing and incorporating its own medical traditions.

Even today, Koreans continue to refine and emphasize the unique strengths of Hanbang, striving to further promote and expand it. One notable aspect of Korean traditional medicine is the integration of medicinal herbs into daily diet. Approximately 50% of Korean households incorporate herbal medicine into their everyday lives, with ginseng being the most commonly used herb. This is followed by lingzhi (reishi mushroom), red goji berries, and black goji berries.

Since Korea has a colder climate, many people drink ginseng tea in winter to strengthen immunity and maintain health.

In modern Korea, Hanbang is included in the national health insurance system, meaning that some Hanbang treatments are eligible for reimbursement. According to 2023 statistics, Korea has a population of 50 million, with approximately 10,000 licensed Hanbang doctors who have undergone formal education and training in accredited Korean medical institutions. Among them: 70-80% run their private clinics; 20-30% work in major hospitals.

The practice of Hanbang doctors extends beyond herbal medicine to include acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and therapeutic massage. Many large general hospitals in Korea also have departments of Hanbang medicine, such as: Seoul National University Hospital,Korea University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and others.

2. The Disappearance of Chinese Characters in Korea

The use of Chinese characters (Hanja, 한자) in Korea has a history of over 2,000 years, dating back to the 2nd century BCE and lasting until the 20th century.

Although King Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty created the Korean script (Hangul, 한글) in 1443, and officially promulgated it in 1446, it was not widely adopted at first. This was because the elite scholar-official class (Yangban, 양반) strongly favored Chinese characters, and thus Hangul remained primarily used for informal private letters, novels, and by women.

In the 20th century, during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945), Japan attempted to abolish Hangul and enforce the use of the Japanese language. Ironically, this fueled Korean nationalism and strengthened efforts to protect and promote Hangul.

After 1945, both South Korea and North Korea officially adopted Hangul as their sole national script and actively promoted its universal literacy.

• Today in South Korea, Hangul is the only official script, and Chinese characters are rarely used, except in: Literature, Historical research, Academic texts and Legal documents
• In North Korea, Hangul is also the only official script, and Chinese characters have been completely abolished.

For Koreans today, studying the complete history of Hanbang and reading ancient medical texts would require proficiency in Classical Chinese (文言文). Perhaps some of these texts have already been translated into Korean, just as China has translated Classical Chinese texts into modern simplified Chinese for easier comprehension.

Introduction to Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM)

Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM) is a medical theory founded by Korean physician Lee Je-ma (1837–1900) during the late Joseon Dynasty. It categorizes individuals into four distinct body constitutions based on their physiological and psychological characteristics, and accordingly prescribes different diagnostic and treatment approaches. SCM holds a significant place in Korean traditional medicine (Hanbang) and is regarded as one of its defining features.

Four Types of Body Constitution in Sasang Constitutional Medicine

SCM classifies individuals based on the relative strength or weakness of specific organs into four constitutions:

1. Taeyang (太陽人, Greater Yang Type)

• Organ Characteristics: Excessive lung qi, insufficient liver qi (large lungs, small liver).
• Personality Traits: Outgoing, confident, decisive, adventurous, but prone to impulsiveness and irritability.
• Physical Features: Large head, broad shoulders, slender limbs.
• Health Characteristics:
  • Weak digestive system, prone to gastrointestinal issues.
  • Susceptible to hypertension, strokes, and headaches.
• Recommended Diet:
  • Light and cooling foods, such as fish, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Avoid oily, high-calorie foods, including red meat, alcohol, and spicy foods.
• Recommended Herbal Medicines:
  • Herbs with heat-clearing effects, such as mulberry leaf (Sang Ye), chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), peppermint (Bo He), and bamboo leaves (Zhu Ye).

2. Soyang (少陽人, Lesser Yang Type)

• Organ Characteristics: Excessive spleen qi, insufficient kidney qi (large spleen, small kidneys).
• Personality Traits: Energetic, sociable, expressive, but sometimes overly impulsive.
• Physical Features: Well-developed upper body, weaker lower body, prone to sweating.
• Health Characteristics:
  • Prone to gastric disorders, digestive issues, liver heat, and insomnia.
  • Fast metabolism, easily experiences dry mouth, thirst, and heat-related symptoms.
• Recommended Diet:
  • Cooling foods, such as watermelon, cucumber, mung beans, and cabbage.
  • Avoid heating foods, such as beef, chili peppers, fried foods, and coffee.
• Recommended Herbal Medicines:
  • Heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs, such as Scutellaria (Huang Qin), peppermint (Bo He), gypsum (Shi Gao), and chrysanthemum (Ju Hua).

3. Taeeum (太陰人, Greater Yin Type)

• Organ Characteristics: Excessive liver qi, insufficient lung qi (large liver, small lungs).
• Personality Traits: Steady, introverted, patient, and methodical, but sometimes indecisive.
• Physical Features: Strong build, large skeletal frame, well-developed muscles.
• Health Characteristics:
  • Strong digestion but prone to obesity.
  • High risk of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Recommended Diet:
  • Warming foods, such as beef, chicken, ginger, onions, and brown rice.
  • Avoid cold foods, such as iced drinks, cold noodles, and melons.
• Recommended Herbal Medicines:
  • Qi-tonifying and warming herbs, such as ginseng (Ren Shen), cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), dried ginger (Gan Jiang), and Aconite (Fu Zi).

4. Soeum (少陰人, Lesser Yin Type)

• Organ Characteristics: Excessive kidney qi, insufficient spleen qi (large kidneys, small spleen).
• Personality Traits: Quiet, detail-oriented, responsible, but prone to anxiety and overthinking.
• Physical Features: Small physique, cold extremities, low physical stamina.
• Health Characteristics:
  • Prone to indigestion, anemia, low blood pressure, and chronic fatigue.
  • Weaker immune system, susceptible to colds and general weakness.
• Recommended Diet:
  • Warming foods, such as red dates, lamb, ginger, and honey.
  • Avoid cold foods, such as iced drinks, green tea, and raw fruits and vegetables.
• Recommended Herbal Medicines:
  • Blood-nourishing and qi-tonifying herbs, such as Angelica (Dang Gui), cinnamon (Rou Gui), deer antler (Lu Rong), and astragalus (Huang Qi).

Distinctive Features and Clinical Applications of Sasang Constitutional Medicine

1. Personalized Treatment:
   • Unlike traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment (辨證論治), SCM prioritizes treatment based on the patient’s constitution rather than just disease symptoms or diagnosis.
2. Disease Prevention:
3. SCM is not only used to treat illnesses but also focuses on daily health maintenance. It encourages individuals to choose appropriate diets and lifestyles according to their body constitution to achieve the goal of “preventing disease before it occurs” (未病先防).
4. Herbal Medicine Selection:
5. Each constitution responds differently to herbal medicine. For example:
   • Taeeum individuals benefit more from yang-tonifying herbs.
   • Soeum individuals are better suited for blood-nourishing and qi-replenishing herbs.
6. The Connection Between Personality and Health:
7. SCM emphasizes the link between a person’s temperament and health conditions.
   • Introverted and overthinking individuals (Soeum type) are more prone to digestive issues and indigestion.
   • Energetic and hyperactive individuals (Soyang type) are more likely to experience excess heat symptoms like inflammation and restlessness.

Conclusion

Sasang Constitutional Medicine is a crucial component of Korean traditional medicine (Hanbang). It places individual body constitution at the center of medical diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing personalized healthcare and disease prevention.

This theory evolved from classical Chinese medicine (TCM) but incorporates a unique body-type classification system, providing valuable insights into modern holistic healthcare. With advancements in science and technology, SCM may integrate with genetics, nutrition, and precision medicine, further advancing personalized medical treatments in the future.

About the author: He, Deguang, Chinese medicine practitioner in Massachusetts, USA. Vice President of the American Traditional  Chinese Medicine Association.