A previously unknown early manuscript of Dongeuibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine), written by the renowned Joseon-era court physician Heo Jun, has been discovered. Designated as a National Treasure and listed as a UNESCO Memory of the World, Dongeuibogam was previously known only through its first printed edition from 1613 (the 5th year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign), which began compilation in 1596 during the Imjin War under the order of King Seonjo. The existence of Heo Jun’s own handwritten draft had not been known until now. The discovery offers new insight into the original framework Heo Jun envisioned even before receiving the king’s commission, and is expected to significantly influence related research.

Professor Choi Young-sung of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Department at Korea National University of Cultural Heritage, who reviewed the manuscript believed to be Heo Jun’s early draft, said on July 23 that he will publish a study titled “A Study on the Early Draft of Dongeuibogam” in next month’s issue of Yeonminhakji. The draft was acquired by missionary Kim Man-sik, who was conducting medical volunteer work in the Yanbian region of China. Professor Choi, a former cultural heritage specialist, was asked to authenticate the document.

The manuscript appears to be the first version written with publication in mind. It differs significantly from the final edition in both its table of contents and content, and contains numerous notes and correction marks, indicating Heo Jun’s intent to revise it. A handwritten date, “Completed on the fourth day of the fourth month of the Imjin year,” reveals that the manuscript was finished just nine days before the outbreak of the Imjin War (April 13, 1592). This suggests that Heo Jun had initiated the work independently, prior to receiving any directive from King Seonjo.

Scholars anticipate that comparing this draft with the final version will inspire further studies not only in bibliographic research but also in the field of traditional Korean medicine.

“Given the manuscript’s structural composition, incomplete entries, annotations on the cover and backing materials, and records that support its chronological context,” Professor Choi explained, “it can be regarded as a critical source in tracing the compilation process of Donguibogam.”