Manners of Ryouban in the Joseon Dynasty - Learn the etiquette that remains in our time.

Basic Manners of Both Groups: Historical and Modern Connections

During the Joseon Dynasty, the yangban, a special upper class of society, held a special status and placed a high value on strict manners and etiquette. The basic manners of the yangban developed during this period still influence the culture and daily life of Korean society today.

First, one of the basic manners of the Ryōban is the importance of respect. The Ryōban placed the utmost importance on showing respect to others. This is related to the social structure of the time, which emphasized hierarchical relationships based on age and status. This concept still holds true today, and in Korea, the use of language and attitude toward one's elders and superiors is highly valued.

Next is "politeness. Ryoban were expected to observe detailed rules of etiquette in their daily lives, which was considered an expression of their own dignity. For example, quiet and reserved behavior was expected during meals, and solemn and orderly behavior was expected in public. Such politeness is still alive today in education and business settings, and Koreans try to be polite and kind even in their first encounters.

Contribution to the family and community" was also considered important. Both groups had a sense of responsibility not only to themselves, but also to the entire clan and community. This spirit is still respected in the family today, and in many cases, one can see an attitude of helping each other out among family members. This traditional value is also reflected in the participation of the whole family in important events.

In this way, it can be said that the basic manners and values fostered by the Ryoguns of the Joseon Dynasty have been handed down over the centuries since then. And, as you can see, they are still alive and well in the daily lives and cultural identity of Korea.

Courtesy Begins with Greetings: How to Show Respect by Learning from Both Groups

During the Joseon Dynasty, the yangban, or Korean nobility, had a high social status and very strict standards in terms of etiquette. Greetings, in particular, were the basis of human relations, and detailed consideration was required as to how and when to greet others. This courtesy is still relevant today, and we have much to learn from it.

First, the greetings of both groups were marked by deep respect and discretion. They used different greetings depending on the status and age of the person they were addressing and showed appropriate demeanor to each. For example, they bowed deeply to their superiors, and slightly more lightly to those younger than themselves or to their peers. This attention to detail was important to maintain a smooth relationship with others.

Attention was also paid to the use of language. Not only did they choose their words carefully, but they also expressed their own dignity and respect for others by paying attention to the tone and speed of their voice. These were not mere formalities, but were recognized as important elements in building relationships.

More interestingly, much of this greeting culture has been carried over into modern Korean society. The use of "honorifics" seen in schools and workplaces, and greetings by bowing, are rooted in daily life, although some of them have changed form. These traditional values serve as guidelines for people to remember to be considerate and considerate of each other.

In general, the manner of greeting that should be learned from both groups is an awareness of each action and the respect that comes from it. It is not just a formality, but the foundation of the entire human relationship. We should learn from this etiquette and apply it to our own daily lives. This will help us to build better and more harmonious relationships.

The Aesthetics of Dining Etiquette: Table Manners in the Joseon Dynasty

As the upper class of society, the yangban of the Joseon Dynasty placed a high value on education and etiquette. Among these, eating manners were of particular importance. Meals were not merely a place to nourish oneself, but were also considered an important time to deepen interaction with family and guests. In this issue, we will introduce dining manners of that era.

First of all, before starting to eat, the two groups always washed their hands and kept them clean. This was not just a matter of hygiene; it was considered a sacred act. When taking their seats, they sat down in order of seniority, waiting until someone higher in rank than themselves picked up the chopsticks.

There were also detailed rules for the placement of dishes. For example, rice was to be placed on the left side and soup on the right. Also, chopsticks and spoons were to be returned to their original positions after use. It is said that such a regular arrangement was not only beautiful but also practical.

Furthermore, it was important not to make noise while eating. By quietly using chopsticks and spoons, people showed respect to those around them and were able to eat calmly themselves. There was also a rule of not taking food directly from a shared plate with chopsticks or spoon once it had been placed in the mouth. These manners were born out of consideration and respect for others.

Some of these strict manners by both groups have been handed down to the present day. In Korea, it is still common to eat quietly and politely at home and in restaurants. And these daily customs show the respect and consideration people have for each other.

As described above, the dining etiquette cultivated by the Ryouban of the Joseon Dynasty has a deep meaning. It is not just a formality, but an important cultural heritage that can be translated into human relationships and communication. By learning from this traditional aesthetic, we too can learn hints for building better relationships in modern society.

Costume and grooming: the importance that both groups placed on appearance

During the Joseon Dynasty, the yangban, or Korean nobility, paid particular attention to their costumes and appearance in order to demonstrate their social status. Their clothing was not merely beautiful and luxurious, but also carried deep meaning and symbolism behind it. Even today, this attention to appearance is still considered important.

The costumes of both groups indicated rank and position by material, color, and design. For example, high-ranking officials were allowed to wear clothes made of silk and in specific colors. On the other hand, for the general public, materials such as linen were the norm. These strict rules were also important for maintaining social order.

Both groups also paid close attention to their hats and shoes. The traditional hat, known as a "kak", was designed to identify a person's status at a glance by its shape and decoration. In this way, they were required to be constantly aware of their own position.

Even today, this attention to appearance is often emphasized in business and other settings. Appropriate dress and a clean appearance are seen as a means of showing respect not only to oneself but also to others. This lesson also holds true when meeting people for the first time, as first impressions are important.

Furthermore, in Japan, there is a similar concept of "TPO (Time, Place, Occasion)" as a form of etiquette. This concept also has something in common with the consideration for appearance of the Ryouban people, which has continued since the Joseon Dynasty. Choosing the appropriate attire for each occasion is an essential element in building human relationships.

Seen in this way, the care for dress and grooming that was valued by both groups of people is a universal value that is still relevant today. By adopting this spirit in our daily lives, we can all build better relationships with each other.

Etiquette in Traditional Events: A Cultural Heritage That Lives on Today

As the upper class of society, the yangban of the Joseon Dynasty were expected to observe strict rules of etiquette. Of particular importance was the etiquette of traditional events. These events were not mere ceremonies, but functioned as occasions for people to show respect to one another. This cultural heritage has been carried over to the present day and influences the daily lives of many people.

For example, during "Seolnal (Lunar New Year)" and "Chuseok (Autumn Evening)," one of the most important traditional events in Korea, families and relatives gather to worship ancestors in a ceremony called "Charye. There are strict procedures and manners for this ceremony, and each one is carried out with great care. In the charei, there are detailed rules for the order and position of the offerings. These are not only to show respect to the ancestors, but also as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the living family members.

Also important are life milestone events such as "weddings" and "kanreki celebrations. In a wedding ceremony, not only the bride and groom but also their entire family strengthens the bond between them. The ceremony is called "baekbek. Many traditional manners are also respected in this occasion where the bride expresses her gratitude and respect to the groom's parents.

Even today, many of these traditions are passed on intact and naturally taught to new generations. These customs are not only observed by Koreans in Korea, but also by those living abroad, and are cherished as a source of pride in one's roots.

In this way, traditional events and their etiquette, which have continued since the Joseon Dynasty, are deeply rooted in people's daily lives and value formation. Each event has its own meaning and purpose behind it. Therefore, this cultural heritage is not merely a formality, but an essential element in facilitating human relationships.

Roles in Family and Society: Civility in Relationships Demonstrated by Both Groups

The yangban, or nobility, in the Joseon Dynasty had a special role as the upper class of society. They were not merely an aristocracy, but were responsible for the moral leadership of society as a whole. Therefore, civility in family and social relationships was highly valued.

First, in terms of their roles within the family, both groups, as the patriarchs, were to lead the entire family and set an example for the other family members in their behavior. Those in positions such as fathers and grandfathers were expected to educate and pass on ethical values to their children and the younger generation. This was strongly influenced by Confucian values, and virtues such as "filial piety" and "loyalty" were emphasized.

Both groups were also expected to exercise leadership not only in the home but also in the community. They were involved in local government and were trusted by local residents to make fair and ethical decisions. To fulfill these roles, a high degree of education and moral integrity were essential.

Furthermore, etiquette was also important in human relations. Starting with greetings, there were detailed rules for showing respect to each other in many situations. These were not mere formalities, but were intended to facilitate human relations and foster a sense of mutual trust.

Even today, this civility in human relations fostered by the two groups is deeply rooted in Korean culture. For example, respect for elders and the division of roles within the family can be seen in many aspects of daily life. The fusion of these traditional values with modern society has helped people build richer relationships with each other.

In this way, you can see that the spirit of civility and consideration that has existed since the days of the two groups is still alive and well in their daily lives and cultural activities.