An ancient South Korean medical book, listed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, will be published in English for global distribution, the health ministry said Thursday.

   An English version of "Donguibogam" is slated to be released in 2013, the 400th anniversary of the book's publication, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

   Donguibogam, compiled and edited by Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) physician Heo Jun, is an encyclopedia of medical knowledge and treatment techniques in East Asia. The 25 volumes of the book were inscripted on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2009, becoming the only medical text to be acknowledged.

   The health ministry said it plans to distribute the translated version to organizations and research centers across 50 countries in a bid to boost awareness on Eastern medicine.

   "The publication of the book in English will be a great opportunity to promote the value and excellence of Donguibogam," said a ministry official.

Source: Yonhap News (March 10, 2011)