Cheonmin
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Cheonmin | |
---|---|
Hangul: |
천민
|
Hanja: |
賤民
|
Revised Romanization: | Cheonmin |
McCune-Reischauer: | Ch'ŏnmin |
Cheonmin, or "vulgar commoners," were the lowest class during the Goryeo and Joseon periods of Korean history. Members of the class included slaves, butchers, shamans, and performers such as acrobats and kisaeng. Those born into this class were typically barred from most forms of social advancement, including entry into government service or taking the gwageo civil service examinations.