Yangban

Definition

Yangban refers to the elite class of scholar-officials and landowners in Korea during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. This class was heavily influenced by Confucian ideals, which shaped their roles in governance and society, and it held significant political power and social prestige throughout Korean history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The yangban class emerged during the Goryeo dynasty but reached its peak during the Joseon dynasty, solidifying their influence over Korean politics and culture.
2. Yangban were typically required to pass rigorous civil service exams based on Confucian texts to attain official positions, reinforcing the connection between education and governance.
3. Their status as landowners allowed yangban families to control vast agricultural estates, which were essential for their wealth and power.
4. Despite their elite status, yangban also faced social criticism and challenges as Korea modernized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to a decline in their influence.
5. The yangban's adherence to Confucian values emphasized moral leadership, familial duty, and respect for authority, which shaped the social fabric of traditional Korean society.

Review Questions

• How did Confucianism influence the role of the yangban in Korean society?
  • Confucianism profoundly shaped the role of the yangban by establishing ideals of moral integrity, education, and hierarchical relationships. As scholar-officials, yangban were expected to embody these values, serving not only as government officials but also as moral exemplars within their communities. This connection reinforced their authority in governance while promoting education as a means to achieve social status.
• Discuss the relationship between the yangban class and land ownership in Korea's historical context.
  • The yangban class held significant land ownership, which was crucial to their economic power and social status. By controlling large estates, they benefited from agricultural production and taxation. This economic dominance allowed them to maintain influence over political decisions and secure positions within government. However, their reliance on land ownership also made them vulnerable to changes brought about by modernization and agrarian reforms.
• Evaluate the impact of modernization on the yangban class during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Korea.
  • Modernization brought significant challenges to the yangban class as Korea faced political upheaval and economic changes. The introduction of new social structures diminished the yangban's traditional authority, leading to a decline in their political influence. As Western ideals permeated Korean society, new classes emerged that prioritized industrial skills over Confucian scholarship, ultimately transforming the social hierarchy. This transition not only altered the status of yangban but also reshaped Korean identity during a critical period of transformation.

Related terms

Confucianism:

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing moral integrity, respect for hierarchy, and the importance of education in societal roles.

Seonggyungwan: The highest educational institution during the Joseon dynasty, where yangban received their education in Confucian teachings, preparing them for government service.

Sadaebu: A term used to describe the yangban class after the Joseon dynasty, particularly focusing on their cultural and intellectual contributions to Korean society.