The role of Medical Officers and Confucian Doctors in the 18th Century in Joseon

18세기 조선통신사 의관(醫官)과 유의(儒醫)의 역할 - 의학문답(醫學問答)을 중심으로 -

In the 18th Century, those who played most important role in international interchange of medical science between Korea and Japan were skillful doctors and doctors of Joseontongsinsa(Correspondents of Joseon called on Japan as a mission). But they have been truly neglected by researchers on history of Korea, even on history of Korean medical science. They were received warm treatment from Japanese. But They were at the most middle-class in social standing in Joseontongsinsa. Though they played important role, they were underpriced and their brilliant achievements were faded out. It is on account of their low social position in Joseon Dynasty, a strict class society. Samsa, Jesulkuan, and Seogi were members of Joseontongsinsa those who were high class in social standing and were good at writing. In general, they were also Confucian doctors in Joseon. In the case of Samsa, there was Seo Myungung who was famous Confucian doctor. And since 'dispatch principle of Jesulkuan' had been prepared, Jesulkuans had paticipated in questions and answers on clinical problems. In a broad sense, We can regard Lihyun, a Jesulkuan in 1711's mission, Shinyuhan, a Jesulkuan in 1719's mission, and Seogies of Samsa as Confucian doctors. Though they were not medical specialist, but we can find them as Confucian doctors through the questions and answers on clinical problems they were participated in.