Korean Dictionary
How to say "Dongui Bogam" in Korean
“Dongui Bogam” in Korean is 동의보감 (pronounced "dongui bogam").
동의보감
dongui bogam
Usage & Context
The Dongui Bogam is a comprehensive Korean medical encyclopedia compiled by Heo Jun in 1613 during the Joseon Dynasty. It systematized East Asian medicine from a Korean perspective and is a UNESCO Memory of the World. It remains a reference in traditional Korean medicine today.
Example Sentence
동의보감은 조선 시대 의학의 집대성이에요.
Dongui Bogam is the culmination of Joseon-era medicine.
How to use 동의보감 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Dongui Bogam” is 동의보감, romanized as dongui bogam.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 동의보감.
Pronunciation Guide
Break down '동의보감' as 'dong-ee-bo-gahm'. '동' (dong) sounds like 'dong' in 'ding-dong'. '의' (ui) is often pronounced like 'ee' in 'see' when it's not the first syllable. '보' (bo) is like 'bo' in 'boat'. '감' (gam) is like 'gahm' in 'gum' but with a slightly more open 'a' sound. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Watching a historical K-drama.
드라마에서 동의보감에 나오는 치료법을 봤어요.
I saw a treatment method from the Dongui Bogam in a drama.
Visiting a hanbang (traditional medicine) clinic.
한의원에서 동의보감에 근거한 처방을 받았어요.
I received a prescription based on the Dongui Bogam at a traditional Korean medicine clinic.
Discussing historical documents or UNESCO heritage.
동의보감은 유네스코 세계기록유산으로 등재되어 있어요.
The Dongui Bogam is listed as a UNESCO Memory of the World.
Cultural Context
The Dongui Bogam is more than just an old book; it's a foundational text for traditional Korean medicine (한의학, hanuihak). Many Koreans still hold it in high regard, and its principles are applied in modern hanbang clinics. References to it often appear in historical K-dramas, especially those featuring royal physicians or traditional healers, highlighting its enduring legacy and the wisdom of Joseon-era medicine. It symbolizes a unique Korean approach to health and wellness.
Editorial note
We review entries like 동의보감 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
동의보감에 따르면
According to Dongui Bogam
동의보감의 지혜
The wisdom of Dongui Bogam
동의보감 정신
The spirit of Dongui Bogam
Related Expressions
한의학
hanuihak
traditional Korean medicine
허준
Heo Jun
the compiler of Dongui Bogam
조선 시대
Joseon sidae
Joseon Dynasty
유네스코 세계기록유산
UNESCO segye girok yusan
UNESCO Memory of the World
More Korean History Words
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