Korean Society
Follows the history of Korean societies and politics from ancient times to the present day.
Social Structures of Joseon Korea
Traditional Korean society through the Joseon period followed Confucian principles. Confucianism emphasizes harmony with nature, strong family bonds, and a society served by scholars. Men qualified for government positions by studying for state exams. This granted them access to the yangban class, the effective nobility of Korea. Although meritocratic on paper, the exams favored students who had time and income to spend studying. Few commoners joined their ranks, especially in the civil service branch. Elite yangban served the royal family and led armies, while others held minor posts in rural provinces. Upper class women were largely removed from society, remaining in their family compound and wearing full veils when they left it. Men and women of all classes lived in separate parts of the home.
Below the royal court and its servants, the common people of Korea plied many trades. A middle class of administrators, the chungin, worked closely with the yangban. The vast majority of the population fell into the sangmin class. They worked as farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, merchants, and laborers. The lowest class, the cheonmin, consisted of slaves, butchers, and other people who practiced “unclean” work. They were set apart for performing roles that clashed with Confucian natural harmony, including metalworking. Lower class women could hold several roles in society. Some became gisaeng dancers and courtesans. The gisaeng, while cheonmin, were trained in the arts, literature, and conversation. Other women became mudang, female shamans in the Korean folk religion. Women were also trained as doctors to examine other women.
Modern Society in Korea
The social order of Joseon Korea had essentially ended by 1900. The yangban lost their privileged status in 1894, replaced by Japanese administrators. Under Japanese colonialism and then the Korean War, the peninsula’s society all but crumbled. Rebuilding efforts following the war took two very different paths. North Korea turned inward under a strong authoritarian government. Its culture now emphasizes strong nationalism and a return to folk customs. South Korea, meanwhile, experienced several decades of political instability. After a period of military rule, it has transitioned to a more open society based on free market principles. Education remains a major priority in South Korea, where it is seen as an essential path to wealth and success.
References
Clark, Donald N. Culture and Customs of Korea. Greenwood Press. 2000.
Hwang, Kyung Moon. A History of Korea. Macmillan International Higher Education. 2016.
Kim, Djun Kil. The History of Korea. 2nd ed. Greenwood Press. 2014.
Ku, Yangmo, Inyeop Lee, and Jongseok Woo. Politics in North and South Korea. Routledge. 2017.
“The World Factbook: KOREA, NORTH.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 18 June 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kn.html.
“The World Factbook: Korea, South.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 20 June 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html.
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