Donguibogam, a medical encyclopedia compiled by Court Physician Heo Jun in 1610, has been inscribed on the Memory of the World International Register at the ninth meeting of the International Advisory Committee (IAC) held from 29-31 July in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The IAC evaluated that Donguibogam is an important documentary heritage in East Asia and contributed a great deal to the health of the East Asian peoples. Its medical know-how and expertise are still in use and recognized in many aspects as better than western medicine.

A total of 35 items of documentary heritage including Donguibogam were newly added to the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. The international register now numbers 193 items. Donguibogam is the first medical documents to be inscribed on the MOW Register and the seventh MOW heritage in Korea.