Changdeok Palace offers summer retreat in royal pharmacy

Changdeok Palace in Seoul is opening its historic royal pharmacy to the public as a "palace summer retreat" until August 16. The program, organized by the palace management office and the Korean Medicine Research Institute's Dongui Bogam division, invites visitors to step back in time and experience the summer health practices of the Joseon Dynasty's royal family.

Participants can sample traditional royal beverages like Jehotang and Omija-cha, and create their own herbal sachets. The pharmacy, known as "Naeuiwon" during the Joseon era, served as the royal medical institution. Restored in 2005, it has since been used for exhibitions and cultural experiences. The current initiative focuses on offering a refreshing indoor escape from the summer heat.

Jehotang, a traditional Korean herbal cooling drink mentioned in "Dongui Bogam," was historically given by kings to elderly officials. Omija-cha, a tea made from five-flavor berries, is also noted in the "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty" as having been consumed by royalty. The program runs Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with beverage tastings offered twice daily. Limited quantities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, the Dongui Bogam division will distribute multilingual handbooks of the "Dongui Bogam," a seminal Korean medical text inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. These handbooks are available in 13 languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese, to promote the book's global significance. While access to the pharmacy retreat is free for Changdeok Palace visitors, separate admission tickets for the palace are required.