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Sangmin (Korean: 상민; Hanja: 常民), short for p'yŏngsangjimin (평상지민; 平常之民), is a Korean-language term for commoners of the Joseon period (1392–1897).

Synonyms for the term include sŏin (서인; 庶人), sangin (상인; 常人), yangmin (양민; 良民), p'yŏngmin (평민; 平民), and p'yŏngin (평인; 平人). 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 (양천제; 良賤制) 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 (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

• Yangban
• Chungin
• Cheonmin
• Baekjeong
• Nobi

References

1. ^ "상민" [Sangmin]. 우리역사넷. National Institute of Korean History. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
2. 김, 성우, "양인 (良人)", Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean), Academy of Korean Studies, retrieved 2024-05-24
3. 이, 한수 (2020-08-05). "조선시대 사람들은 지금보다 3배 먹었다". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-05-24.

v t e Joseon
Korean state (1392–1897)
History	Tsushima expedition Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598) Manchu invasions of Korea (First, Second) 19th-century peasant rebellions in Korea Treaty of Ganghwa Imo Incident Gapsin Coup Donghak Peasant Revolution Gabo Reform Assassination of Empress Myeongseong Korean Empire
Politics	Political factions during the Joseon dynasty Korean literati purges
Government	List of kings of Joseon State Council of Joseon Six Ministries of Joseon Three offices of Joseon Border Defense Council of Joseon Secret royal inspector Joseon Army late 19th century Joseon Navy
Society	Styles and titles Neo-Confucianism Caste system in Korea Seonbi Kisaeng
Culture	Education in Joseon Five Grand Palaces Hanbok Hangul Buncheong Joseon white porcelain Korean tea ceremony Korean garden Sungkyunkwan Chaekgeori Minhwa
Cultural heritages	Changdeokgung Jongmyo Namhansanseong Royal Tombs of the Joseon dynasty Villages of Hahoe and Yangdong Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty Hunminjeongeum Ilseongnok Nanjung ilgi Seungjeongwon ilgi Uigwe
Foreign relations	1883 Korean special mission to the United States Joseon missions to China Joseon missions to Japan Joseon Tongsinsa

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