Asian Journal of Paleopathology Vol.5, 8–20, 2023
Received: February 20, 2023
Accepted: March 23, 2023
DOI: 10.32247/ajp2023.5.2

Review
Prospect of paleopathological research on the forensic work records of Joseon Dynasty period in Korea

Dong Hoon Shin, Seonguk Hong, Chang Young Kim, Seung Jic Hong, Ho Chul Ki, Soong Deok Lee, Jieun Kim

Abstract
   The main object of research for paleopathology, which studies health and disease conditions and courses in ancient or medieval times, has been human bones or mummified tissues unearthed at archaeological sites. However, historical-documentary records also are very significant to researchers, in that they can provide an abundance of evidence useful for accurate interpretation of paleopathological data. In Korea, notwithstanding the post-mortem examination records from the Joseon Dynasty period, which are medically meaningful documents, studies on them mostly have concentrated on the socio-economic aspects of the cases, and the pathological consideration of them remain insufficient. Therefore, to understand the examination data available therein from the paleopathological perspective, novel attempts recently have begun in South Korea. In this review, we summarize the research to date on Joseon Dynasty post-mortem examination reports and discuss how forthcoming research will best be conducted in paleopathological terms.

Key words

Paleopathology, Joseon dynasty, post-mortem examination record, Kyujanggak, Korea