History of Korea

The Choson Dynasty had a varied and complex social fabric that kept intact centuries of Korean tradition. Class was largely hereditary in nature. Choson society was stratified by distinct social groups.

At the very top of this social hierarchy were the yangban who could be loosely classified as those who were eligible for high ranking government service due to passing civil service exams. They formed the elite of Choson society. The term 'yangban' was used to denote the dual role that the yanban had in both the military and civil service. Yet, a dichotomy between yangban families who specialized in between the munkwa or civil service exam and those who took the mukwa or military exam became pronounced.

Under the yangban, were the class of translators, scientists, doctors, translators, administrative clerks, and so on. These, chungin formed the backbone of the bureaucracy with their technical expertise. These officials passed examinations on technical subjects known as the chapkwa.

And then there are the commoners whose rank and file comprised tenant farmers, craftsmen, and free laborers. They formed the bulk of the population.

At the bottom of the social hierarchy were the chonmin or "base" people. Slaves, butchers, prostitutes, and other entertainers formed this class. Slaves were emancipated in the 19th century.

Of course, these 'classifications' are not rigid and formal. The changing times of the late Choson dynasty and economic activity allowed some fluidity between the classes. Many yangban families fell into poverty, while other commoners amassed great wealth and even began to buy themselves into social 'ranking.' Choson social structure is fraught with difficult questions ranging from the progeny of concubines to the status of women in the Choson dynasty.

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