Independence patriot · Domestic anti-Japanese struggle · Order of National Foundation Merit (Geonguk Pojang, 1999)
| Life | 1910 ~ 1998 |
| Era | 근현대 |
| Clan | 전주 이씨 |
Lee Eul-ho (1910-1998), from Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province, graduated from Joongang High School and Seoul College of Pharmacy before turning to the study of traditional Korean medicine, translating the Donguisusebowon and systematizing Sasang constitutional medicine theory. While running a herbal pharmacy in Yeonggwang in his mid-twenties, he published articles in newspapers and journals, and around 1936, at age 27, he was arrested in the Yeonggwang Athletic Club Incident and imprisoned for more than two years for fostering national consciousness among youth.
In prison he encountered the writings of Jeong Yak-yong (Dasan) and was inspired to pursue the study of Korean Silhak (practical learning). After liberation he founded a private middle school, worked at Gwangju Medical College, and at 49 became a professor of philosophy at Chonnam National University; at 58 he earned his doctorate with a dissertation on Dasan's classical scholarship, establishing the field of Dasan studies. After retirement he served as director of the Gwangju National Museum and founded the Dasan Institute, and in 1999 he was awarded the Order of National Foundation Merit for his independence activities.