Premodern Korea: Social Classes
By Giovanni Tellez
Joseon Dynasty 1392–1910
Joseon Dynasty Background
● The Joseon Dynasty began in 1392 and lasted until 1910
● It was founded by Gen Yi Song gye
● Centered around Neo-Confucianism ideals still relevant in modern Korea.
Moral Disciplines
Oryun:
● ui (의; 義): righteousness and justice:
a. the relationship between monarch and the people
● chin (친; 親): warmth and closeness between parents and children
● byeol (별; 別): differentiation between husband and wife
● seo (서; 序): order between seniors and juniors
● sin (신; 信): trust between friends
Fundamental Principles
Samgang:
● chung (충; 忠): loyalty to the king
● hyo (효; 孝): filial obedience to the parents
● yeol (열; 熱): differentiation between men and women
Wang
● Kings had absolute authority,
● Bound by tradition,
● commanded absolute loyalty from his officials and subjects
● Creator of Hangul(한글), the Korean alphabet
KING/WANG SEJONG THE GREAT
YANGBAN
The scholar- officials, collectively
referred to as the yangban
Passing Gwangeo examinations
Wore Gats (
흑립)
CHUNGIN
The chungin (literally "middle people"), technicians and
administrators subordinate to the yangban
SANGMIN
The commoners or sangmin, a large group composed of farmers, craftsmen, and merchants
CHEOMIN
Cheomin (literally despised people)," at the bottom of society.
KISAENG
● Were women from outcast or slave families trained to provide various services to upper class men
● Very educated and literate
● Provided entertainment and conversation.
