''Sangmin'' (), short for ''p'yŏngsangjimin'' (), is a Korean-language term for commoners of the
Joseon
Joseon ( ; ; also romanized as ''Chosun''), officially Great Joseon (), was a dynastic kingdom of Korea that existed for 505 years. It was founded by Taejo of Joseon in July 1392 and replaced by the Korean Empire in October 1897. The kingdom w ...
period (1392–1897).
Synonyms for the term include ''sŏin'' (), ''sangin'' (), ''yangmin'' (), ''p'yŏngmin'' (), and ''p'yŏngin'' (). ''Sangmin'' was also sometimes used to describe innocent people, in contrast to criminals.
History
The term ''sangmin'' was used as an informal or legal designation depending on the time period. It refers to everyone who is not of noble background.
In the latter half of the 17th century, a two-class system called ''yangch'ŏnje'' () was enacted, and ''sangmin'' made the lower class. However, ''sangmin'' were still de facto divided into various subgroups.
''Sangmin'' were systemically disadvantaged. While they were technically supposed to receive equal access to education and the taking of the ''
gwageo
The () or ''kwagŏ'' were the national civil service examinations under the Goryeo (918–1392) and Joseon (1392–1897) periods of Korea. Typically quite demanding, these tests measured candidates' ability of writing composition and knowledge ...
'' (civil service examinations), the nobility used their influence to place restrictions on such access.
There was a range in economic conditions for ''sangmin''; it was reportedly sometimes difficult to distinguish between a well-off ''sangmin'' and a nobleperson. Money allowed for the purchase of clothing that signaled high social status.
See also
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Yangban
The ''yangban'' () were part of the traditional ruling class or gentry of dynastic Korea during the Joseon period. The ''yangban'' were mainly composed of highly educated civil officials and military officers—landed or unlanded aristocrats wh ...
*
Chungin
The ''jungin'' or ''chungin'' () were the upper middle class of the Joseon Dynasty in medieval and early modern Korean society. The name "jungin" directly means "middle people". This privileged class of commoners consisted of a small group of ...
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Cheonmin
''Cheonmin'' (), or "vulgar commoners", were the lowest caste of commoners in dynastical Korea. They abounded during the Goryeo (918–1392) and Joseon (1392–1897) periods of Korea's agrarian bureaucracy.
Social class system
In the caste s ...
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Baekjeong
The ''baekjeong'' () were an untouchable caste in Korea, originating from some minority, nomadic groups of disputed ethnicity. Today, the word simply means a butcher.
In the early part of the Goryeo period (918–1392), these minorities were la ...
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Nobi
''Nobi'' were members of the slave class during the Korean dynasties of Goryeo and Joseon. Legally, they held the lowest rank in medieval Korean society. ''Nobi'' were considered property or personal property, chattel, and could be bought, s ...
References
Korean caste system
Social classes
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