Nobi

Definition

Nobi refers to a class of hereditary slaves in Korea, primarily during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. These individuals were often born into servitude and had limited rights, serving as laborers, artisans, or domestic workers. The existence of the nobi class reflects the broader social hierarchies in Korean society and contributes to understanding the historical context of social stratification in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nobi were considered property and could be bought, sold, or inherited, leading to a lack of personal freedom.
2. The status of nobi was often hereditary, meaning that children born to nobi parents would also be born into servitude.
3. While they had limited rights, some nobi could earn their freedom through various means, including special service or purchasing their own freedom.
4. The nobi system was formally abolished during the late 19th century, but remnants of this social hierarchy persisted in various forms.
5. The existence of the nobi class highlights the deeply entrenched social structures within Korean society and the significant impact of Confucian values on social organization.

Review Questions

• How did the status and roles of nobi reflect the broader social hierarchies in Korean society during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties?
  • The status and roles of nobi exemplified the rigid social hierarchies prevalent in Korean society during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. As a class of hereditary slaves, nobi were at the bottom of the social ladder, lacking personal freedoms and rights compared to the elite yangban class. This system reinforced social stratification, as nobi fulfilled essential roles as laborers and domestic workers, highlighting the dependence of higher classes on their servitude while also reflecting Confucian ideals that prioritized order and hierarchy.
• Discuss how the abolition of the nobi system affected Korean society and its historical context in the late 19th century.
  • The abolition of the nobi system in the late 19th century marked a significant transformation in Korean society as it began to shift away from traditional feudal structures. This change contributed to increasing social mobility as former nobi sought new opportunities outside of servitude. Additionally, this period was characterized by growing national consciousness and reform movements aimed at modernizing Korea, which further complicated traditional social roles. The end of the nobi system not only altered individual lives but also influenced broader socio-political dynamics in a rapidly changing Korea.
• Evaluate the impact of Confucian values on the development and perpetuation of the nobi class within Korea's historical context.
  • Confucian values played a crucial role in both the development and perpetuation of the nobi class within Korea's historical context. The emphasis on hierarchy, social order, and filial piety reinforced rigid class structures that justified practices like slavery. Nobi were seen as fulfilling their societal roles within this hierarchical framework, which viewed labor as a virtue but relegated them to positions with minimal rights. Consequently, Confucianism not only shaped societal attitudes towards noble class systems but also influenced political decisions regarding governance and social reform over centuries.

Related terms

Yangban: The elite ruling class in Korea during the Joseon dynasty, consisting of scholars and government officials who held significant power and privileges.

Goryeo Dynasty:

A Korean dynasty that lasted from 918 to 1392, known for its cultural achievements and establishment of the nobi system.

Joseon Dynasty: The last dynastic kingdom of Korea, which lasted from 1392 to 1910, characterized by Confucian governance and a rigid class structure.