Social Classes
Yangban
TheYangban were part of the traditional ruling class
or nobles during the Joseon Dynasty.
or nobles during the Joseon Dynasty.
Chungin
The chungin also jungin, were the middle class of the
Joseon Dynasty of Korea. The name "chungin" literally means
"middle people".
Joseon Dynasty of Korea. The name "chungin" literally means
"middle people".
Sangmin
The sangmin were the common people of Joseon Dynasty.
About 75% of all Koreans at that time were sangmin.
The sangmin consisted of peasants, laborers, fishermen,
some craftsmen and merchants.
The sangmin were considered "clean workers"
but had little social status. Generally they were poor.
They paid most of Korea's taxes and were subject to the military draft.
About 75% of all Koreans at that time were sangmin.
The sangmin consisted of peasants, laborers, fishermen,
some craftsmen and merchants.
The sangmin were considered "clean workers"
but had little social status. Generally they were poor.
They paid most of Korea's taxes and were subject to the military draft.
Cheonmin
Cheonmin were the lowest caste of commoners in dynastical Korea.
This social class was largely hereditary and based on certain professions
considered "unclean" by the upper classes.
This list of unclean professions included slaves, butchers,shamans, shoemakers, metalworkers, prostitutes,
magicians, and performers like the kisaeng.
This social class was largely hereditary and based on certain professions
considered "unclean" by the upper classes.
This list of unclean professions included slaves, butchers,shamans, shoemakers, metalworkers, prostitutes,
magicians, and performers like the kisaeng.