kisaeng
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Kisaeng (), also called ginyeo (), were enslaved women from outcast or enslaved families who were trained to be courtesans, providing artistic entertainment and conversation to men of upper class. First emerging in the Goryeo dynasty, were officially sanctioned by the state and employed in various public functions. While many worked in royal courts, others were stationed throughout the provinces.
Key facts
- Korean name/auto.image
- Ginyeo.jpg
- Korean name/auto.hangul
- 기생
- Korean name/auto.hanja
- 妓生
via Wikipedia infobox
Wikidata facts
- Image
- Korea-Kisaeng-03.jpg
Show 2 more facts
- Commons category
- Kisaeng
- native label
- 해어화
Sources (2)
via Wikidata · CC0
~27 min read
Article
21 sectionsContents
- Social position
- Career
- Becoming a {{transliteration|ko|kisaeng}}
- Daily life
- Politics and diplomacy
- Regional differences
- History
- Origins
- Goryeo
- Joseon dynasty
- Japanese colonial period
- Modern ''Kisaeng''
- South Korea
- North Korea
- Literary and artistic depictions
- Literary and artistic works by ''kisaeng''
- Famous ''kisaeng''
- See also
- Notes
- Works cited
- Further reading
Kisaeng (), also called ginyeo (), were enslaved women from outcast or enslaved families who were trained to be courtesans, providing artistic entertainment and conversation to men of upper class. First emerging in the Goryeo dynasty, were officially sanctioned by the state and employed in various public functions. While many worked in royal courts, others were stationed throughout the provinces.
Trained in music, dance, poetry, and prose, kisaeng were often highly educated and skilled in the fine arts. Despite their low social status, they were respected as cultured artists. In addition to entertainment, some were assigned duties in medicine and needlework.