Heo Jun Festival to Bring Together the 400-Year-Old Donguibogam and AI Diagnostics

[Financial News] Visitors can experience in one place the traditional medicine of Donguibogam, a medical text compiled more than 400 years ago, and cutting-edge medical technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI). A festival bringing the history of Joseon-era physician Heo Jun and traditional Korean medicine to life through modern medical technologies and hands-on activities will be held in Seoul's Gangseo District. On the 8th, Gangseo District announced that it will hold the 24th Heo Jun Festival on the 10th and 11th at Seoul Botanic Park, Magok Plaza and around Magokjungang-ro. This year's theme is 'Embracing Tradition, Prescribing the Future.' The festival will be presented as a 'fusion wellness festival,' combining modern medicine and cultural and artistic content with the district's historical heritage of Heo Jun and Donguibogam.
At the heart of the festival are Heo Jun and Donguibogam. For the first time, a special Donguibogam exhibition zone will be set up at the entrance to the festival grounds this year. Visual materials will introduce the academic and cultural value of Heo Jun and Donguibogam.
There will also be programs visitors can experience firsthand. Specialist institutions, including the Heo Jun Museum and the Handok Museum of Medicine and Pharmacy, will offer activities such as making herbal sachets. Lectures by traditional Korean medicine experts will also introduce the value of Donguibogam and health practices for everyday life.
The festival will also showcase the latest medical technologies linked to medicine in the Joseon era. In the Medical and Health Experience Zone, visitors can have their pulse taken and receive consultations from Korean medicine doctors affiliated with the Association of Korean Medicine (AKOM). The Gangseo Medical Association, the Korean Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Gangseo Pharmacists Association will also take part, providing health screenings and guidance on medication use. Visitors can also try body-shape analysis and skin assessments using AI equipment.
Programs that bring the historical figure Heo Jun to life through games and performances are also planned. On the 11th, performers dressed as royal physicians from the Joseon era will tour the festival grounds in the Heo Jun Parade. The program will combine traditional costumes and Korean traditional music with breakdancing, and will also feature mini-games with visitors.
The Heo Jun Kids Jangwon Contest will be held on the same day on the lawn at Seoul Botanic Park, with around 500 elementary school students taking part. The children will answer questions about Heo Jun, Donguibogam and the history of Gangseo District, with 10 finalists selected. Award recipients will have the opportunity to attend the ceremony wearing Joseon-era scholar robes.
A Medicinal Herb Stamp Tour will also invite visitors to find medicinal herbs hidden throughout the festival grounds and collect stamps. The Heo Jun Colorful Doodle Wall will give participants the chance to work together to complete a picture on a large wall.
The festival will kick off with the Heo Jun Run at 7:20 a.m. on the 10th. Around 4,000 people have registered to participate this year. A road-running route has been added to the existing sections at Seoul Botanic Park and Hangang Park, marking the first time such a course has been included in Gangseo District.
Five zones will be set up around Magok: the Medical and Health Zone, Culture and Arts Zone, Heo Jun-Donguibogam Zone, Healing Experience Zone and Food Zone. Around 40 programs will be held over the two days.
The Heo Jun Concert, featuring MeloMance, Ben, An Seong-jun, EPEX and others, will be held on the evening of the 10th. The Muse Wind Orchestra will perform at the closing ceremony on the 11th. Performances by the Gangseo District Theater Company and Choir, as well as local artists, and street busking will continue throughout the festival.
Gangseo District Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon said, 'The Heo Jun Festival is Gangseo District's signature wellness festival, where visitors can experience traditional Korean medicine and advanced medical technology together. I hope it will be a meaningful time for the whole family to take part and find healing, rather than simply watch the festival.'

[email protected] Seong Chorong Reporter