Journey of Water 02 - The Alchemy of Place

Inspired by the legacy of Heo Jun, the legendary 17th-century royal physician, this journey explores the Dongui Bogam (The Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine). Completed in 1610 and later enshrined as a UNESCO World Heritage, it is the 400-year-old foundation of our quest through the 33 waters.

Beyond Filtration:

The Soul of the Material

Modern science has confined water within the dry chemical formula of H₂O.
The criteria for ‘purity’ measured by laboratory standards are solely based on impurity content and mineral levels.

However, this quantitative approach misses the most vital essence of water:
the energy of time. While a nutritional analysis can tell us the concentration of minerals, it cannot explain which fleeting moment of the earth the water passed through. This is where the value of ancient wisdom, which we must reclaim, resides. To our ancestors, water was not a mere ingredient, but a remedy crafted by the precise 'moment' when heaven and earth’s energies intersected.

4. Ji-Jang-Su:

The Earth’s Healing Embrace

Ji-Jang-Su is the quintessential 'Water of the Earth.'
It is created by mixing deep, untainted yellow soil (Hwangto) with water, allowing the sediment to settle until the water above becomes crystal clear.

• Definition: Cold water mixed with deep yellow clay, filtered by gravity and time. It captures the neutralizing power of the earth.
• Symbolism & Properties: Earth (土) is the mother of all elements, possessing the power to harmonize and detoxify. Dongui Bogam (The Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) records that Ji-Jang-Su is neutral, sweet, and non-toxic. It was the ultimate antidote for food poisoning, mushroom toxins, and the 'heat' of physical exhaustion.
• Oriental Medicine Use: It is renowned as a supreme antidote for various toxins and is used to treat ailments arising from deep anxiety and mental distress. The Dongui Bogam highlights its extraordinary life-saving properties in cases of severe poisoning. For instance, consuming certain wild mushrooms—especially those grown under maple trees, which can cause uncontrollable laughter leading to death—is considered fatal, yet Ji-Jang-Su is recorded as the only remedy capable of neutralizing such toxins when no other medicine can succeed. It purifies the system, resolves internal heat, and restores balance to a compromised body.
• Modern Perspective: Yellow clay is naturally rich in beneficial microorganisms and enzymes. When mixed with water, it acts as a natural porous filter, adsorbing impurities while infusing the water with infrared energy and stabilizing minerals.

5. Oak-Jeong-Su :

The Crystallized Vitality of Jade

Oak-Jeong-Su is water found in or near jade mines, or water in which jade has been submerged for a long time. It represents the union of water and the most refined of minerals.

• Definition: Water that has filtered through jade veins or has been infused with the essence of jade.
• Symbolism & Properties: Jade (玉) has long been revered in Eastern philosophy as the stone of longevity and purity. Dongui Bogam (The Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) states that drinking Oak-Jeong-Su long-term makes the skin radiant, strengthens the bones, and calms the nerves. It was believed to 'moisten' the internal organs that had become dry and brittle with age.
• Oriental Medicine Use: According to the Dongui Bogam, regular and long-term consumption of this water deeply nourishes the body’s essential fluids, resulting in a radiant and moistened physical state. It is highly esteemed for its potent anti-aging properties; historical records suggest that it prevents hair from turning gray, preserving its natural pigment and luster well into old age. By lubricating the internal organs and strengthening the skeletal structure, it serves as a tonic to prevent the systemic "drying out" that typically accompanies the aging process.
• Modern Perspective: Jade is an efficient conductor of far-infrared rays. It can influence the water molecule clusters, allowing for deeper cellular hydration—supporting the ancient claim of 'crystallized vitality.'

6. Guk-Hwa-Su:

The Fragrant Wisdom of Longevity

Guk-Hwa-Su is spring water that flows through a valley where wild chrysanthemums bloom. The water absorbs the subtle essence of the flower as it ripples over the roots and petals.

• Definition: Spring water naturally infused with the aromatic compounds and vitality of wild chrysanthemums.
• Symbolism & Properties: The chrysanthemum is a symbol of resilience, blooming in the cold of late autumn. This water is known to clear the head and brighten the eyes. It was traditionally used to treat chronic dizziness and to support a clear-headed life.
• Oriental Medicine Use: Also known as Guk-Yeong-Su, this water is highly valued for its ability to treat chronic vertigo and blurred vision, conditions traditionally referred to as Hyeon-mo. It is a vital medicinal water used to prevent and manage symptoms related to stroke or palsy. Beyond its specific therapeutic uses, it excels at replenishing fundamental vigor in those who are physically weakened and enhances the healthy radiance of the complexion. In the world of Eastern wellness, it is considered a primary elixir; consistent, long-term consumption is said to promote exceptional longevity.
• Modern Perspective: Wild chrysanthemums contain flavonoids and essential oils. As water flows through these areas, it picks up trace amounts of these phytonutrients, which modern herbalism confirms can help lower blood pressure and reduce neuro-inflammation.

To my Sik-Gu:

What has your water touched?

We often focus on what we have removed from our water. But perhaps we should ask what our water has embraced. Does your water carry the stabilizing warmth of the earth, the refined strength of minerals, or the fragrant resilience of life?

The water you drink is a reflection of the space it has occupied.

In our next journey, we will explore the hidden power within the flow and movement of water:

• Cheol-Li-Su (the long-distance traveler)
• Yeok-Ryu-Su (the water that defies the current)
• Gam-Ran-Su (the water of thousands of ripples)