What is "hyeminseo"

Hyeminseo(in Hangul:혜민서, in Hanja: 惠民署) is the medical authorities during Joseon Dynasty in Korea. The officers were in charge of the treatment of commoners and medicine.

In 1392 the year of the foundation of Joseon, the organ was established by successing the former institution of Goryeo. In 1414, the title became Hyeminguk and then finally became the existing name in 1466 under the reign of Sejo of Joseon. The board was abolished in 1882.

The officers were in charge of producing medicines, teaching disciplines, researching Korean medicine. Generally, 4 people were put to as the disciplines. In the examination of recruitment- Gwageo, the bureaucrats of Hyeminseo were also appointed.

Hyeminseo aimed to benefit the people but its coverage was limited to commoners living in Hanyang, current Seoul. There was another body called Hwalinseo. Both organs were named as Yanguisa(Two medial authorities).