History of the kisaeng (original) (raw)

The history of the kisaeng covers the entire second millennium, from the Goryeo dynasty to modern South Korea. The kisaeng system first emerged in the early Goryeo period, and was at its height in the middle Joseon Dynasty. The kisaeng were contribute to entertain others, such as the Yangbans and kings. although some kisaeng also held positions of importance in the court or in literary culture. A strange silence hangs over the official histories of Korea when it comes to the kisaeng. They enter only occasionally into official records such as the Goryeosa or Joseon Wangjo Sillok. Yet references to kisaeng are quite widespread in the "" of later Joseon, and Silhak thinkers such as Yi Ik and Dasan gave some thought to their role and station in society. Even today, many formal histories of Kor