Tonguibogam is a classic medical encyclopedia which was written by the famous doctor Ho Jun (1546-1615). He completed it from 1596 to 1610 by compiling all the achievements of the Koryo Medicine in a new and comprehensive way and consulting his lots of clinical experiences and hundreds of medical books at home and abroad.

   It is well known at home as it refers to the medical treatments and prescriptions that were created and developed by our ancestors in conformity with the habits and body structure of the Koreans for thousands of years.

   Tonguibogam is composed of 25 volumes in total; 2 volumes of List, 4 volumes of Internals Part, 4 volumes of Externals Part, 11 volumes of Miscellaneous Diseases Part, 3 volumes of Decoction Part and 1 volume of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Part.

   The Internals Part mainly deals with the physiological functions of the human body and the diseases related to the five viscera and six entrails, while the Externals Part with the diseases related to the skin, otorhinolaryngology and ophthalmology. Miscellaneous Diseases Part refers to the medical examination methods and the causes of diseases as well as the symptoms, therapies and prescriptions of other internal diseases not mentioned in the Parts of Internals and Externals. It also mentions about the gynecology and pediatrics. Decoction Part introduces the effectiveness, indications, collecting and processing methods of over 1 400 Koryo medicines which were widely used in Korea at that time, as well as their localities and folk names. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Part describes their therapies and indications, and regions for acupuncture.

   What is new to Tonguibogam is that it attached the prime importance in training body and mind, and leading a regular life, while second importance to medication.

   This book played an important role in developing Koryo medicine at that time and at present is also highly appreciated for its scientific contents, practical significance in Koryo therapy and cultural historical values.

   Tonguibogam is one of the three encyclopedias which gave great influence not only to medical science of Korea but also to that of the neighbouring countries.