How Long Did Korea Have Slaves

Slavery in Korea, a deeply entrenched institution, persisted for over 1,500 years, shaping the social and economic landscape of the peninsula. From its emergence during the Three Kingdoms period to its eventual legal abolition in the late 19th century, slavery played a significant role in Korean history. Understanding the complexities of Korean slavery requires examining its origins, evolution, social impact, and eventual decline.

Origins and Evolution of Slavery in Korea

The roots of slavery in Korea can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE – 668 CE), a time of intense warfare and social stratification.

• Early Forms of Bondage: Captives of war were often forced into servitude, laying the foundation for a system of slavery. Criminals and debtors also faced enslavement, highlighting the punitive aspect of the institution.
• Goguryeo (37 BCE – 668 CE): Historical records from the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) suggest the existence of slaves (nobi) who performed various tasks, including agricultural labor and household service.
• Baekje (18 BCE – 660 CE): Similar to Goguryeo, Baekje society included slaves, although detailed information about their status and treatment remains limited.
• Silla (57 BCE – 935 CE): Silla, which eventually unified the Korean peninsula, also had a slave population. The bone-rank system (golpum), a rigid social hierarchy, likely influenced the distribution and treatment of slaves.

Goryeo Dynasty (918 – 1392)

The Goryeo dynasty witnessed the continuation and further development of slavery.

• Expansion of Slavery: Warfare, economic hardship, and legal punishments contributed to the growth of the slave population.
• Types of Slaves: Two primary categories of slaves existed: nobi (private slaves) and gongnobi (public slaves). Nobi were owned by individuals or aristocratic families and performed various tasks, while gongnobi were owned by the state and worked in government offices or on state-owned lands.
• Social Mobility: While slavery was generally hereditary, there were instances of slaves gaining freedom through manumission, military service, or exceptional skills.
• Economic Significance: Slaves played a crucial role in the Goryeo economy, providing labor for agriculture, construction, and domestic service.
• Attempts at Reform: Some Goryeo rulers attempted to curb the power of the aristocracy and reduce the number of slaves, but these efforts often faced resistance from powerful elites.

Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1897)

The Joseon dynasty, which replaced the Goryeo, brought significant changes to Korean society, including the system of slavery.

• Legal Codification: The Joseon dynasty codified laws related to slavery, defining the rights and obligations of both slave owners and slaves. The Gyeongguk Daejeon (Grand Code for Governing the State) included provisions regarding the inheritance, sale, and punishment of slaves.
• Increased Social Stratification: The rigid social hierarchy of the Joseon dynasty, with the yangban (aristocratic class) at the top and commoners and slaves at the bottom, reinforced the institution of slavery.
• Dual System of Slavery: The distinction between nobi and gongnobi continued during the Joseon dynasty. Nobi served private households, while gongnobi worked for the state.
• Population Trends: The slave population fluctuated throughout the Joseon dynasty, influenced by factors such as economic conditions, warfare, and government policies.
• Resistance and Rebellion: Slaves occasionally resisted their bondage through acts of defiance, escape, or participation in rebellions. The most notable example is the rebellion led by Yi Bi in the 15th century, which involved a large number of slaves.

The Social Impact of Slavery

Slavery profoundly impacted Korean society, affecting various aspects of life.

• Social Hierarchy: Slavery reinforced the rigid social hierarchy of Korean society, creating a clear distinction between the free and the unfree.
• Economic Inequality: The ownership of slaves contributed to economic inequality, as wealthy landowners and aristocrats benefited from the labor of their slaves.
• Family Structure: Slavery disrupted family structures, as slave families could be separated through sale or inheritance. Children born to slave mothers were automatically considered slaves, perpetuating the cycle of bondage.
• Gender Roles: Female slaves often faced sexual exploitation by their owners, further highlighting the vulnerability and lack of rights of enslaved women.
• Cultural Impact: Slavery influenced Korean culture, with stories, songs, and artistic representations reflecting the experiences and struggles of slaves.

The Decline and Abolition of Slavery

Several factors contributed to the decline and eventual abolition of slavery in Korea.

• Economic Changes: The rise of commerce and industry in the late Joseon dynasty led to a gradual shift away from agricultural labor, reducing the economic importance of slavery.
• Social Movements: Reform-minded intellectuals and officials began to question the morality and practicality of slavery, advocating for its abolition.
• Government Reforms: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Joseon rulers implemented reforms aimed at reducing the number of slaves and improving their conditions. King Yeongjo, for example, implemented policies to encourage manumission and protect slaves from abuse.
• External Pressure: Western powers, who were increasingly influential in Korea during the late 19th century, pressured the Korean government to abolish slavery.
• Gabo Reform of 1894: The Gabo Reform, a series of sweeping reforms implemented under Japanese influence, officially abolished slavery in Korea. However, the transition from slavery to freedom was not always smooth, and many former slaves faced discrimination and economic hardship.

The Daily Lives of Korean Slaves

The lives of Korean slaves were marked by hardship, limited freedom, and constant labor.

• Types of Labor: Slaves performed a wide range of tasks, depending on their owner's needs and social status. They worked as agricultural laborers, domestic servants, artisans, and even soldiers.
• Living Conditions: The living conditions of slaves varied depending on their owner's wealth and generosity. Some slaves lived in relative comfort, while others faced overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate food.
• Diet: The diet of slaves typically consisted of basic staples such as rice, barley, and vegetables. Meat and other luxury items were rare.
• Clothing: Slaves wore simple, coarse clothing made from hemp or cotton. They often lacked adequate protection from the elements.
• Punishments: Slaves could be subjected to harsh punishments for disobedience, laziness, or theft. These punishments included beatings, branding, and imprisonment.
• Family Life: While slaves were allowed to marry and have children, their families were often vulnerable to separation through sale or inheritance. Slave children were automatically considered slaves, perpetuating the cycle of bondage.
• Religious Practices: Slaves often practiced folk religions and ancestor worship, seeking solace and protection in the spiritual realm.
• Entertainment: Opportunities for entertainment were limited for slaves. They might participate in folk games, storytelling, or religious festivals.

Legal and Social Status of Slaves

The legal and social status of slaves in Korea was clearly defined, reflecting their subordinate position in society.

• Property Status: Slaves were considered the property of their owners, who had the right to sell, trade, or bequeath them as they saw fit.
• Limited Rights: Slaves had limited legal rights and could not own property, testify in court, or participate in government.
• Social Stigma: Slavery carried a significant social stigma, and slaves were often treated with contempt and disdain by free members of society.
• Inheritance: Children born to slave mothers were automatically considered slaves, regardless of the father's status. This matrilineal system of inheritance perpetuated the cycle of slavery.
• Manumission: While slavery was generally hereditary, there were instances of slaves gaining freedom through manumission. Owners could voluntarily free their slaves as an act of charity or reward for loyal service. Slaves could also purchase their freedom or be freed through government decree.

Resistance and Rebellion

Despite their limited rights and social status, Korean slaves occasionally resisted their bondage through various means.

• Individual Acts of Defiance: Slaves might resist their owners through acts of disobedience, sabotage, or theft.
• Escape: Running away was a common form of resistance, although escaped slaves faced the risk of capture and severe punishment.
• Collective Resistance: Slaves sometimes participated in collective acts of resistance, such as strikes or work slowdowns.
• Rebellions: On rare occasions, slaves participated in large-scale rebellions, seeking to overthrow the existing social order. The rebellion led by Yi Bi in the 15th century is a notable example of slave resistance in Korean history.
• The Rebellion of Yi Bi: Yi Bi, a nobi, led a significant rebellion during the reign of King Sejong. Angered by the injustices and hardships of slavery, Yi Bi rallied other slaves and commoners to his cause. The rebellion posed a serious threat to the Joseon dynasty, but it was eventually suppressed by government forces.

The Legacy of Slavery in Korea

Although slavery was legally abolished in Korea in the late 19th century, its legacy continues to resonate in Korean society.

• Social Discrimination: The descendants of slaves may still face social discrimination and prejudice.
• Economic Inequality: The historical legacy of slavery has contributed to economic inequality in Korea.
• Cultural Memory: Slavery remains a part of Korean cultural memory, with its stories and experiences reflected in literature, art, and film.
• Historical Understanding: Studying the history of slavery in Korea provides valuable insights into the complexities of Korean society and the challenges of achieving social justice.

Conclusion

The history of slavery in Korea is a complex and multifaceted one, spanning over 1,500 years. From its origins in the Three Kingdoms period to its eventual abolition in the late 19th century, slavery shaped the social, economic, and cultural landscape of the Korean peninsula. Understanding the history of Korean slavery requires examining its origins, evolution, social impact, and eventual decline. While slavery was legally abolished, its legacy continues to resonate in Korean society, reminding us of the importance of striving for equality and justice for all. The long shadow of slavery serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle for human rights and the need to confront the historical injustices that continue to shape our world. The study of this dark chapter in Korean history offers valuable lessons for understanding power dynamics, social stratification, and the ongoing quest for a more equitable society.