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Credits
Produced by Joe McPherson and Shawn Morrissey
Music by Soraksan
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Korean Folk Remedies and the Stories Behind Them
Folk remedies exist in every culture, and Korea is no exception. Known as minganyo-beop 민간요법, these traditional treatments were often passed down through families and communities, shaped by observation, belief, and necessity.
While some remedies were rooted in practical knowledge, others leaned into ritual and symbolism.
Healing with What You Have
Many Korean folk remedies rely on simple, accessible ingredients.
A common treatment for sore throats involves steaming a Korean pear filled with honey. Some variations include boiling pear with bellflower root to create a soothing drink.
For insect bites, people often applied doenjang, believing it could reduce swelling and prevent infection.
These remedies reflect a practical approach, using food and everyday items as medicine.
When Treatment Becomes Ritual
Other remedies move beyond the physical and into the symbolic.
For indigestion, a traditional method involves forcing blood into the fingertips, pricking them with a needle, and releasing what is believed to be “bad blood.” Many who experienced this as children still believe it worked.
Talismans, known as 부적, were also used. In one case, a written charm was placed under a pillow to calm a troubled relationship.
These practices reveal how healing was often tied to belief as much as biology.
Shared Beliefs Across Cultures
Korean folk remedies are not unique in their approach.
Similar traditions exist around the world. In some Western communities, wounds were treated with tree sap, and prayers were used to stop nosebleeds. Objects associated with religious figures were believed to have healing power.
These parallels suggest that when faced with uncertainty, people often develop similar ways of explaining and treating illness.
Food as Medicine
Food plays a major role in Korean folk health practices.
Ginseng has long been associated with vitality, especially in dishes like samgyetang. Mugwort is believed to help with digestion and inflammation, and chrysanthemum liquor was thought to cleanse the blood.
Seasonal customs also influenced diet. During the hottest days of summer, certain foods were consumed to restore energy and balance the body.
The Line Between Medicine and Belief
Some remedies fall into more controversial territory.
Practices like bee sting therapy, or 봉침, have been used as treatments despite unclear effectiveness. In one case, it was used in an attempt to treat cancer.
These examples highlight the risks that can come when belief replaces evidence-based care.
Why These Remedies Still Matter
Even today, many Koreans remember these treatments from childhood. Some still use them.
They offer insight into how people understood the body, illness, and healing before modern medicine became widely available.
More importantly, they show that the desire to heal and protect loved ones often leads to creative, and sometimes surprising, solutions.