The royal incense recorded in the history of Joseon for 519 years
Agarwood in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty: The Supreme Incense Loved by Kings
Agarwood Ancient Text Series Part 3
"Except for agarwood and camphor, trade with the Japanese should be prohibited, but agarwood must be purchased regardless of the high price."
— 『Annals of the Joseon Dynasty』 Seongjong Year 25
The 『Annals of the Joseon Dynasty』, compiled over 519 years (1392~1910), is the world's largest single dynasty chronicle, consisting of a total of 1,893 volumes. Within this vast record of over 20.77 million characters, agarwood (沈香) appears as a strategic national resource and an essential medicinal herb for the royal family.
📑 Table of Contents
1. What is the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty?
1.1 World Documentary Heritage
The 『Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (朝鮮王朝實錄)』 is a chronological history book that covers 472 years from the founding of Joseon by King Taejo (1392) to King Cheoljong (1863). It was registered as a UNESCO World Documentary Heritage in 1997.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Recording Period | 1392~1863 (472 years) |
| Volume | 1,893 volumes, 888 books |
| Total Characters | Approximately 20.77 million characters |
| UNESCO Registration | 1997 World Documentary Heritage |
[Figure 1] UNESCO World Documentary Heritage Annals of the Joseon Dynasty
1.2 Significance of Agarwood Records
📜 The appearance of Agarwood in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty means
- It was recognized as an official medicinal herb of the royal family.
- It was a diplomatically important item.
- It was so expensive that it affected national finances.
2. King Sejong and Agarwood
2.1 Agarwood in the Annals of Sejong
Agarwood appears 24 times in the 『Annals of Sejong (世宗實錄)』. This is the highest frequency among the kings of the Joseon Dynasty.
🩺 Sejong's Health Issues
King Sejong (世宗大王, 1397~1450) suffered from various diseases:
- Diabetes (消渴症): Frequently felt thirsty.
- Eye disease (眼疾): Vision deteriorated, leading to the use of glasses.
- Stroke symptoms (風疾): Symptoms preceding a stroke.
- Boils (腫氣): Frequently developed boils on the skin.
2.2 Agarwood Import Records
According to records from the 5th year of Sejong (1423):
"53 Japanese trading ships came, and among the items they presented to Joseon were agarwood (沈香) and patchouli (藿香), all received through Japan."
This record shows that Joseon imported agarwood from Southeast Asia through Japan. At that time, Japan was actively trading with Southeast Asia, and Joseon brought in agarwood via Japan.
2.3 Agarwood for Rituals
"Agarwood weighing 2 geun was presented from Japan for ritual use."
In Joseon, agarwood was not just an ordinary medicinal herb but a sacred item used in rituals and ceremonies.
3. Seongjong and Agarwood Trade
3.1 Trade Only for Agarwood
Records from the 25th year of Seongjong (成宗, 1457~1494) show how much Joseon valued agarwood:
"When several ministers suggested prohibiting trade with Japanese merchants, Seongjong commanded, 'Prohibit trade with the Japanese except for agarwood and camphor, but agarwood must be purchased regardless of the high price.'
📊 Significance of this Record
- Agarwood was an exception even during trade restrictions with Japan.
- It was ordered to be purchased regardless of price.
- Agarwood was a nationally essential item.
3.2 Uses of Agarwood
| Use | Content |
|---|---|
| Royal Medicine | Health management of the king and royal family |
| National Rituals | State ceremonies such as Jongmyo and Sajik |
| Diplomatic Gifts | Bestowed upon Chinese envoys |
4. Sukjong's Agarwood Prescription
4.1 Adding Agarwood to Palmi Jihwang Tang
Preparation of royal medicine in Joseon
Sukjong (肅宗, 1661~1720) suffered from constipation and urinary disorders. The royal physicians prescribed a special remedy:
"Adding 5 bun of agarwood to Palmi Jihwang Tang (八味地黃湯) improved the symptoms of constipation and urinary issues."
4.2 What is Palmi Jihwang Tang?
Palmi Jihwang Tang is a representative prescription that nourishes the kidneys (腎臟):
| Herbs | Dosage | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Shu Di Huang (熟地黃) | 8 nyang | Nourishes the kidney's yin |
| San Zhu Yu (山茱萸) | 4 nyang | Nourishes the liver and kidneys |
| Shan Yao (山藥) | 4 nyang | Nourishes the spleen and stomach |
| Ze Xie (澤瀉) | 3 nyang | Regulates water metabolism |
| Fu Ling (茯苓) | 3 nyang | Eliminates dampness |
| Mu Dan Pi (牧丹皮) | 3 nyang | Cools blood heat |
| Gui Zhi (桂枝) | 1 nyang | Replenishes yang energy |
| Fu Zi (附子) | 1 nyang | Strengthens yang energy |
| Agarwood (沈香) | 5 bun | Promotes the circulation of qi |
💡 The Meaning of Adding Agarwood
Adding agarwood to Palmi Jihwang Tang is like adding "movement (行)" to "nourishment (補)". It nourishes the kidneys while ensuring that qi flows smoothly, allowing the medicinal effects to spread throughout the body.
5. Gyeongjong's Mysterious Agarwood Pill
5.1 Treatment for Epilepsy
Gyeongjong (景宗, 1688~1724) suffered from epilepsy (癲癇) since childhood. The royal physicians prescribed the Mysterious Agarwood Pill (神祕沈香丸) to soothe his condition.
"When Gyeongjong had an epileptic seizure, the royal physician presented the Mysterious Agarwood Pill."
5.2 Composition of the Mysterious Agarwood Pill
| Herbs | Effects |
|---|---|
| Agarwood (沈香) | Stabilizes the nerves and lowers qi |
| Cinnabar (辰砂) | Stabilizes the mind and body |
| Camphor (龍腦) | Clears the mind |
| Musk (麝香) | Unblocks the meridians |
🔬 Modern Medical Interpretation
The component delta-guaiene (δ-Guaiene) in agarwood inhibits the central nervous system, alleviating seizures. The Mysterious Agarwood Pill serves as a prescription connecting the heart (心臟) and kidneys (腎臟), calming the heart fire, stabilizing the mind, and reducing seizures.
6. Agarwood Import Routes
6.1 Agarwood Import Routes of Joseon
Joseon could not produce agarwood on its own, as agarwood trees (Aquilaria spp.) only grow in tropical climates.
🛤️ Agarwood Import Routes of Joseon
Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia)
↓
Japan (Tsushima)
↓
Joseon (Busan Port)
↓
Hanyang (Royal Family)
6.2 Waegwan Trade
Busan Waegwan (倭館) was the official trading post with Japan. Agarwood entered Joseon through Waegwan.
| Features | Content |
|---|---|
| High Price | More expensive than gold of the same weight |
| Strict Quality Control | Direct inspection by royal physicians |
| Quantity Limit | Annual import quantity was fixed |
7. Modern Significance
7.1 Reproduction of Royal Prescriptions
The agarwood prescriptions recorded in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are still utilized today:
| Prescription | Modern Application |
|---|---|
| Palmi Jihwang Tang + Agarwood | Senile constipation, urinary disorders |
| Mysterious Agarwood Pill | Anxiety disorders, sleep disorders |
| Agarwood Qi Strengthening Powder | Indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux |
7.2 Historical Verification
✅ Reasons Why the Agarwood Records in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are Trustworthy
- Recorded directly by historians (史官)
- The king could not arbitrarily modify them
- Multiple copies (副本) exist, making forgery impossible
Therefore, the efficacy of agarwood recorded in the annals can be seen as accumulated clinical experience over centuries.
Conclusion: A Medicinal Herb Acknowledged by Kings
What can be confirmed through the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty:
✅ The Value of Agarwood Proven by the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty
- Agarwood was a strategic national resource
- Must be purchased even during trade restrictions
- Imported regardless of price
- Kings personally consumed it
- Sejong: Management of chronic diseases
- Sukjong: Constipation, urinary disorders
- Gyeongjong: Epilepsy (癲癇)
- Essential for rituals and ceremonies
- Used only in rituals presided over by the king
- Included in the gift list of the Chinese emperor
The reason the kings of Joseon valued agarwood so highly is that its efficacy has been proven in practice. The 519 years of records demonstrate that agarwood is not merely a fragrance but a genuine medicinal herb.
"The value of agarwood proven by the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. The supreme incense acknowledged by kings."
📚 References
- National Institute of Korean History. 『Annals of the Joseon Dynasty』. https://sillok.history.go.kr/
- Korean National Encyclopedia. "Agarwood (沈香)". https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0058589
- Korean National Encyclopedia. "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty". https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0052160
- Korean History Net. "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty". https://contents.history.go.kr
- Dongguk University College of Humanities. "Agarwood (沈香), a Noble and Solemn Fragrance". https://hkplus.dongguk.edu
- Seungjeongwon Diary Database. http://sjw.history.go.kr/
- Explanation of Akhakgwebeom. National Gugak Center.
📖 Agarwood Ancient Text Series | Next Part: Agarwood and Incense in the Goryeo Dynasty: The Mysterious Encounter of Maitreya Faith and Agarwood