Janggeum

Janggeum, born in the year fifteen hundred, is celebrated as the first female Royal Physician in Korean history. Her remarkable contributions to medicine during the Joseon Dynasty have been acknowledged in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, where she is mentioned ten times, highlighting her significance in the royal court.

King Jungjong held Janggeum in high regard, appreciating her extensive medical knowledge and entrusting her with the health of the royal family. This trust was symbolized by the honorific title 'Dae,' meaning 'great' in Korean, which was bestowed upon her before her name, signifying her esteemed position.

While some sources affirm Janggeum's existence as a historical figure, her life remains a subject of scholarly debate, with limited information available. Despite the uncertainties surrounding her biography, Janggeum's legacy endures as an important symbol of women's contributions to medicine in Korea.