• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.105-120
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• 2015

Confucian doctors (儒醫) emerged who either voluntarily or involuntarily studied medical science and participated in clinical practices. This was made possible by a newly established position known as Euiseoseupdokgwan (醫書習讀官), made up of officials who had knowledgeable about medical books, during the reign of King Sejong. By the 16th century, Confucian doctors who acquired knowledge from medical books began to practice more broadly. Most of the Confucian doctors had either direct or indirect connections with the Sarim faction 士林派, and had interest in practicing medicine in provincial regions. In 1610, Donguibogam (東醫寶鑑) was published, providing the Confucian doctors with solid academic and clinical foundations. From the late 17th century onwards, the medical environment quickly became commercialized and the status of Confucian doctors gradually weakened.