The purpose of this study was to identity characteristics of traditional nursing in Chosun Dynasty. Various health care activities introduced in the classic works have been examined for the identification of major characteristics of nursing in traditional society. A study of the classical works revealed the following aspects of nursing care were evident : environment, diet, exercise, beside care, medication and fetal discipline. In their treatment, it became clear that the most salient feature of traditional nursing in Chosun dynasty is the humanistic nature of care. Another distinctive feature of traditional nursing is its notion of empathic care. Loyalty is another key principle of traditional nursing in Chosun dynasty. However, the empathic principle was always practiced in keeping with the principle of loyalty. The principle of mean and confirmity with nature appear to have been a basic guideline for nursing practices in traditional society. Some nursing activities in traditional society are shamanistic, particularly the prayers offered for the recovery of a family member`s illness and the protection of all family members from evil spirits. These shamanistic rituals imply considerable measures of empathy, loyalty, and filial piety according to Confucian tenets.