2018 GGHS Team 8

The history of medicine in Korea

A general outline

In the 10th century, Balhae was destroyed by Khitan, and Silla, which had been extremely corrupt, was unified into Goryeo after over 30 years of war with Hubaekje and Huguryu Goguryeo. Goryeo, which had to wage many invasion wars after unification, had great social demands on health care businesses in order to protect the lives and health of soldiers and people. Especially, the world's first metal type printing business developed in the 12th century, and the publication and dissemination of science literature books increased greatly, and medical books due to the development of navigation technology, as well. In addition, the diseases treatment awareness has improved greatly, and preventive measures for infectious diseases and more detailed classification have been taken.

The former part of the Goryeo Dynasty

From the business, Goryeo put forward the buddhist meter and confucian-signing politics. In addition, The medical institution was reorganized and strengthened to place physicians in every military unit. It also showed a lot of interest in population growth to strengthen national power and expressed a keen interest in health care projects to improve the health of the ruling class. And they installed Hyeminguk, 동서대비원 and 제위보 for the common people and engaged in charitable medical activities.