Browsing Joseon Era 'Hospital' in Changdeokgung Palace With a Cup of Jeho-tang

연합뉴스 / 2024-07-12 13:20:42

▲ This image, provided by the National Heritage Administration’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Center on June 12, 2024, shows the pharmacy area of Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 12 (Yonhap) -- The National Heritage Administration’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced on the 12th that it will open the pharmacy of Changdeokgung Palace to the public from July 17 to August 18, every Wednesday to Sunday.

The pharmacy, also known as Naeuiwon or Naeyakbang, served as a medical institution within the palace. It managed the medicinal ingredients used by the royal family and was considered one of the key medical institutions of the Joseon Dynasty, along with Jeonui-gam, the medical administrative office, and Hyeminseo, which provided treatment for the common people.

Since its restoration in 2005, the pharmacy located in the Gwon-nae-gaksa area of Changdeokgung Palace has been used as an exhibition and event space.

Visitors can explore various medicinal preparation tools and herb cabinets, and taste traditional drinks like Jeho-tang and Omija tea. Jeho-tang, made from roasted plums called Omae, along with ingredients like Sandalwood (Sain) and Grass Fruit (Chogwa), is known for its cooling properties and ability to quench thirst. The beverages will be served from 1 PM onwards.

Every Friday and Saturday, there will be hands-on experiences available where visitors can create sachets using medicinal herbs.

Anyone visiting Changdeokgung Palace is welcome to freely tour the pharmacy. Foreign visitors can refer to multilingual booklets donated by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine's Donguibogam Project Team for detailed information about the pharmacy.

A representative from the Changdeokgung Palace Management Office said, "We hope visitors can take a break from the heat and enjoy a direct and indirect experience of palace culture."