The Kisaeng, Joseon's Courtesans [History of Korea]

#korea #kdrama #koreanculture #joseon #koreanhistory #history #historyofkorea (episode 23)
Today, I will explore the lives of the Kisaeng 기생. Kisaeng were the female entertainers, courtesans of the Yangban 양반, the traditional ruling class during the Joseon 조선 dynasty. Kisaeng were trained in the fine arts, poetry and prose and somewhat respected as educated artists. Their roles also included medical care and needlework. They were similar to the geisha in Japan. Like the nobi, Joseon's slave class, the government kept a registry of Kisaeng. The Kisaeng could be released from their position in society but at a hefty price paid to the government.
Hwang Jini 황진이 (1506-1560) is one of the most popular kisaeng of the Joseon Dynasty. Hwang Jini was quick witted, very intelligent, exceptionally beautiful, independent and assertive. A myth developed around her and she inspired novels, films, musicals and tv series in South Korea.
Kisaeng produced many artwork but were deemed not valuable enough to keep. The kisaeng have played important roles in Joseon popular literature. They often had a leading roles in novels and pansori. They had a unique role in Joseon: they were women would could move somewhat freely in very male dominated society in which women were mostly kept on the margins of history.
* Some figures and topics explored in this video: cheonmin 천민, gwageo 과거, ilpae 일패, haengsu 행수, sampae 삼패, hojang 호장, geommu 검무, pansori 판소리, sijo 시조, Gabo reform 갑오 개혁, Juk-hyang 죽향
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🎬 Recommended viewings:
Hwang Jini, TV Series (2006), KBS, 24 episodes. Starring: Ha Ji-won, Kim Young-ae, Wang Bit-na, Kim Jae-won
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[@vinnysing1324]

So kesaeng can move around freely in the country, better than other ladies from the elite class.

[@Dijeouni]

It's very rare to get a good broad overview like this of gisaeng! Very well done, I enjoyed the video a lot!

[@tinjavier4876]

This episode shows very interesting insights about the kisaengs. Some historical dramas always include them and shows their great talents and also spying. Some historical dramas I recommend that shows some parts of kisaeng life are 1) Gildong: The Thief who stole the Hearts of the People - where a kisaeng becomes a loyal concubine to the king, it shows her various talents and the amazing music and clothing. 2) My Country New Age - the female lead character I think is from a Kisaeng class, although she is more for leading the group than an entertainer. They also shown here how they save secrets of corrupt officials and use them as leverage or even evidences. 3) Six Flying Dragons - shows some parts of Kisaeng women to be also working as underground spies. If any also may recommend some series related, may also reply in this comment so I can watch as well. Looking forward for more episodes Loonytricky

[@incubus1160]

My addiction to Korean period drama's bought me here

[@emperialGal]

They're like modern day Artists like actresses, painters, poets and many more form of art.. amazing! They were the predecessors and I think their training was the model for K-pop idols' training

[@Howard_10]

Korea was depressing in the past

[@Frooooooo]

So they are basically the KPop idols of their time

[@1dg4fk_lilly24]

This is such a helpful and very informative video! I’ve been reading this manhwa called “Painter of the Night” and Inhave a hard time understanding the class system and Kisaengs of historical Korea. I’m so glad to have stumbled in this video and I’m gonna subscribe as well because I am a history nerd!

[@ayushnigam6804]

Is kisaeng basically a red light area ?

[@christianbernardes3767]

I've always been interested with the Korean Imperial Harem, can you do a video about it? ❤❤

[@Scythia1313]

Modern day K Pop Idols imo. Great video and content.

[@aceonicing]

Wow…just checked out your channel and videos are really informative. Looking forward for more amazing content~

[@robynrob4867]

Oh, just finished watching Hwang Jini and this popped up. I was wondering about the different treatment among the women in the troupe. Your video helped me gain some clarity on Joseon's social classes. Thank you!

[@user-kj8qh1gi7d]

Спасибо!) Очень интересно. Не знала о таком. Спасибо.

[@Anamillio]

Love these videos

[@Aur_ro_xa]

Great job ! Love the information provided here, the speed of your speech, the length of the video! Seriously, very much appreciated! Thank you! :)

[@vanillabin1359]

Thanks for the video

[@andrehaswhiteramencurls]

thank you so much for explaining so clearly and concisely! I'm rewatching a lot of my childhood korean dramas and I couldn't understand the historic terminology even as an adult. Thank you so much for your work! ☺️

[@erinnerungundgegenwart]

Great video as always ❤

[@alejandraparker6110]

I was just watching HWANG JINI on KBS channel on UTUBE and decided to do some search before I began to watch the series if this was based on true story or not...and I came upon this video. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼. Thanks for uploading.