The Year of 2009 was a very significant year in the history of Korean traditional medicine, as the Dongui Bogam, compiled by Heo Jun(1539-1615), was listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

The 25-volume encyclopedia on the principles of Korean medicine, as studied up to the early 17th century, contains detailed explanations of the causes and diagnoses of a variety of diseases, how to make medicines, how use them to treat illnesses, and knowledge about acupuncture and moxibustion.

The Dongui Bogam, which is widely regarded as the most comprehensive Asian book on traditional medicine, was listed on the Memory of the World Register in recognition of its contribution to the development of traditional medicine in East Asia, and the fact that even today it remains of inestimable use from both the academic and clinical perspectives.

This significant event will encourage many people to take more interest in Korean traditional medicine and have a positive effect on the development of the Korean traditional medicine industry, which is currently faced with various difficulties.

In the 21st century, various diseases, particularly adult and geriatric diseases and new epidemics, pose a grave threat to human health amid rapid changes in people’s lifestyles, although threats from better known diseases commonly caused by malnutrition are on the decrease. Under such circumstances, the governments of many countries are seeking ways to improve public health and welfare based on modern research into traditional medicines and the promotion of the relevant industries.

People worldwide have developed greater interest in eastern traditional medicine, which could help make up for some of the limitations of western medicine, and thus the relevant industrial areas have continued to experience growth. Thus, it is an opportune time to introduce the English version of the Dongui Bogam to the wider world.

The year of 2013 is the 400th anniversary year since the publication of the first edition of the Dongui Bogam. The work of translating and introducing the Dongui Bogam into English will be a monumental achievement.

I would like to congratulate from the bottom of my heart all those involved in the publication of the English version of this superb medical book, whose status has been enhanced from that of an important cultural heritage of Korea to that of a health book recognized by the entire world. It is also my sincere wish that the original author’s pure-hearted commitment to the enhancement of the health of humankind may be shared by more people all over the world.

Finally, I would like to thank the researchers who are taking part in the translation, the working level people who have strived to make it a successful project, and those who have cooperated in the publication of the translation