Evolution of Traditional Korean Medicine (Hanbang) Over the Last 70 Years

Korean independence from Japanese rule turned out to be a milestone in the history of Korean cultural and medical traditions including Hanbang, A.K.A., and traditional Korean medicine. From 1910-1945 during the Japanese occupation, Hanbang, which traced back to ancient philosophies and herbal remedies in Korea, took a hard hit. Under the colonial administration which pursued European techniques, regarded Hanbang as something to be erased instead of protected from extinction. Nonetheless, Hanbang survived mainly through the vigilance of those who practiced it in secret and by evading government inspectors.

Image by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute

After the liberation of Korea in 1945, there was a powerful revolutionary movement to revive and restore national identity. Restoring hanbang as an important component of Korean culture also came under way. During this time,  Hanbang schools, colleges, and research centers were founded to standardize practices and to protect ancient medical texts introducing them into modern healthcare. The revival of Hanbang was not only about the recovery of tradition but also it served as a symbol, representing national pride. 

Like much of Korea, as the country modernized, Hanbang evolved to become more science-based. Research also sought to validate Hanbang practices, which slowly began shifting public opinion. The combination of Hanbang with the modern medical practices, known as integrative medicine, began to take root in most parts of South Korea and it became increasingly accepted within scientific communities.

Interest in Hanbang is also amplifying globally, as international researchers seek to unlock its benefits. State-of-the-art scientific validation and technologies have increased the clout of Hanbang on a global scale. Nowadays, Hanbang is considered more and more of a complement to Western medicine providing an overall enhancement of health practices. 

But as Hanbang progresses, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The efforts to amalgamate with contemporary scientific measures, negotiate regulators, and keep up with developing technology will ultimately determine whether Hanbang survives or not in the future. 

The story of how Hanbang was almost eradicated, revived its relevance back in the medical field, and is facing an uncertain future, can inform on the ways that these traditional practices can evolve in a world of perpetual change.