[3] The original was written in Hanja and only part of it was transcribed in Korean for wide reading use, as only officials understood in Hanmun.

[6] Work on the Dongui Bogam started in the 29th year of King Seonjo's reign (1596) by the main physicians of Naeuiwon (내의원, "royal clinic"), with the objective to create a comprehensive compilation of traditional medicine.

Main physician Heo Jun led the project, but work was interrupted due to the second Japanese invasion of Korea in 1597.

[3][7] It "synthesized 2000 years of traditional medical knowledge" from Korea and China, and included Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian ideas.

In contrast to Hyangyak jipseongbang (향약집성방, "Compilation of Native Korean Prescriptions"), written in 1433, Dongui Bogam is more systematic.

It should not be taken as an acknowledgement of traditional medicine for its superior effectiveness", saying that the book is full of quackery such as how to bear a son or how to make yourself invisible.