Sangmin
Template:Italic title Template:Short description Template:Infobox Korean name/auto Sangmin (Korean: Script error: No such module "Lang".; Hanja: Script error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler), short for p'yŏngsangjimin (Script error: No such module "Lang".; Script error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler), is a Korean-language term for commoners of the Joseon period (1392–1897).[1]
Synonyms for the term include sŏin (Script error: No such module "Lang".; Script error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler), sangin (Script error: No such module "Lang".; Script error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler), yangmin (Script error: No such module "Lang".; Script error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler), p'yŏngmin (Script error: No such module "Lang".; Script error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler), and p'yŏngin (Script error: No such module "Lang".; Script error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler). Sangmin was also sometimes used to describe innocent people, in contrast to criminals.[1]
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.[1] In the latter half of the 17th century, a two-class system called yangch'ŏnje (Script error: No such module "Lang".; Script error: No such module "Lang".Template:Category handler) was enacted, and sangmin made the lower class. However, sangmin were still de facto divided into various subgroups.[1][2]
Sangmin were systemically disadvantaged. While they were technically supposed to receive equal access to education and the taking of the gwageo (civil service examinations), the nobility used their influence to place restrictions on such access.[1]
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.[3]