Yu Sang
Korean physician (1643–1723)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Yu Sang (Korean: 유상; Hanja: 柳瑺; 柳尙; 柳相;[1] 1643–1723[2]), alternatively Ryu Sang (류상)[a], courtesy name Yŏjin (汝珍, 여진),[3] was a royal court physician and politician of the Korean Joseon dynasty. He was a smallpox specialist who successfully treated three Joseon kings.[1]
In 1693, due to having cured Sukjong's smallpox, he was granted a political office. Later he became the governor of Seosan, Goyang, Hapcheon and Saknyeong.[3]
His experiences with smallpox are detailed in his book, Kogŭm Kyŏnghŏm Hwalyubang (古今經驗活幼方).[1]
Supernatural anecdotes featuring him and a divine being circulated due to his fame.[4]
Family
He was a 23rd-generation descendant of the Munhwa Yu clan.[1] His father Yu Kyŏngjip (柳景緝) served as an observation officer (觀察使, gwanchalsa).[3] His son Yu Chungnim (柳重臨) was also a medical practitioner who also wrote the agricultural text Chŭngbo sallim kyŏngje.[5]
