Curious how Gayang Station gate 8 connects you to a neighborhood hero? This is Gayang Station gate 8. It is your portal to exploring the legacy of Heo Jun.
Gayang Station is on Line 9 of the Seoul Subway. From here, you can easily reach many interesting places. This station serves the Gayang neighborhood.
Gayang is known as a great place to raise a family. It is a newer part of Seoul. The buildings here are mostly less than two decades old. You will see clean apartment towers and commercial spaces.
Exiting Gayang Station gate 8, you are close to the heart of Gayang. It’s a neighborhood with a surprising history. The most interesting aspects of Gayang revolve around Heo Jun. He was a famous physician. He lived in the 16th and 17th centuries. Many consider him the father of Korean medicine.
Heo Jun was born in Gayang. He wrote his major medical treatise here. He also spent his final days here. The northwest side of Gayang is filled with memorials to him.
Take a walk from Gayang Station gate 8. Head towards Exit 1. You’ll find Heo Jun Theme Street. This street pays tribute to the medicine man in several languages. You’ll find Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.
Along the street, look for granite benches. They show images of plants Heo Jun used. The benches include the plant’s name and health properties. One bench features bamboo. Bamboo can help with blood pressure and diabetes.
Continue to the “Story of Heo Jun”. This exhibit highlights key moments in Heo’s life. You will see illustrations of him entering the royal medical center. Another shows him curing the prince’s smallpox.
Don’t miss the statue of Heo Jun. He is depicted offering help. Stone cylinders around the statue offer his medical advice. Some advice seems a bit unusual today. For example: “If you keep rubbing your ear flap, your ear will clear up.”
The street also features exhibits about Donguibogam. This is Heo Jun’s famous medical treatise. UNESCO added it to the Memory of the World Register in 2009. The book influenced medical practice in Korea, China, and Japan.
One panel displays excerpts and images from Donguibogam. Another installation celebrates the book’s UNESCO recognition. It was the first health and medical book to receive this honor.
From Gayang Station gate 8, you are steps away from this fascinating history. Explore Heo Jun Theme Street and learn about the father of Korean medicine. You will discover the rich cultural heritage of Gayang. Enjoy your walk.