Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 189

189. Teacher (1)

As March arrived, announcements were posted in government offices across the country, outlining the requirements for educators at the new Samin Schools.

– Category A: Instructors for the Samin Schools.

– Category B: Managers for the Samin Schools’ buildings and associated farmlands.

Applicants for Category A needed to be commoners, both men and women, who demonstrated academic excellence, strong moral character, and a talent for teaching.

Academic proficiency would be determined by performance on the employment examination administered by the Ministry of Rites.

Character would be assessed through interviews for those who passed the examination, and further evaluated during a subsequent training course.

Teaching talent would be identified during the training course, after the successful completion of the previous two stages.

Female applicants would also be evaluated on their sewing and weaving skills.

Furthermore, women recognized as filial daughters or virtuous women would be given preference.

* * *

The yangban [aristocratic class] society of Joseon was stirred by the government’s announcement, prompting questions such as:

-Could teaching at the Samin Schools truly lead to official positions?

“Teaching children the Thousand Character Classic is hardly a path to officialdom! Especially at schools open to anyone except the children of slaves!”

Many reacted negatively, clinging to the traditional belief that ‘scholarship is the domain of the sadaebu [scholar-officials],’ but others held different views.

“The world is changing. The number of lowborn is decreasing, and commoners can now enter officialdom through hard work!”

“Why must officialdom be the only goal? Joseon is seeing a rise in merchants and artisans! Society will only improve when educated individuals become merchants and artisans! The Samin Schools are the very embodiment of the edification desired by the ancient sages!”

“Mencius said that one of a gentleman’s three joys is ‘to obtain and teach the talented of the world!’ Even if it’s just the Thousand Character Classic, basic arithmetic, and morality, who knows if someone will awaken to learning and take responsibility for Joseon’s future!”

Despite the debate, on the day of the employment examination, countless yangban gathered at the examination halls set up in the provincial governor’s offices—formally the Provincial Observation and Censure Commissioners—of each province.

However, Sejong was most concerned about the appointment of female teachers.

* * *

Before making a final decision, Sejong spent considerable time discussing the matter with Hyang.

Late at night, after dismissing the historians, Sejong and Hyang shared their thoughts on ‘educating women.’

“I believe that women in Joseon should be allowed to enter officialdom if necessary. Joseon is facing a shortage of capable people.”

Sejong felt that Joseon’s current situation demanded that all available talent be utilized, regardless of gender.

He believed that Gyeongjang [referring to a period of reform and prosperity] could only succeed, and Joseon could only thrive, if everyone contributed.

Finally, he added another point.

“Breaking down the barriers between men and women would also be helpful in addressing the class system controversy that will inevitably arise.”

“That is correct. However, revealing that intention too soon would face tremendous opposition,” Hyang pointed out.

Sejong sighed deeply. “Indeed, that is the problem.”

Hyang sighed inwardly, seeing Sejong’s concern.

‘Even in the early Joseon period, when women’s status was relatively high, this is still a challenge.’

As Hyang noted, women enjoyed a relatively high social status in early Joseon. However, this largely meant respecting the female domain within established gender roles.

Allowing women to enter officialdom would be seen as intruding into the male domain, inevitably leading to strong opposition.

After a long period of deliberation, Hyang made a suggestion to Sejong.

“Although it’s a bit of a trick, what about using the Samin Schools?”

“The Samin Schools?”

“You’ve already announced that girls can attend the schools, and there was no opposition. You also mentioned seeking female teachers to instruct the girls, correct?”

“That’s right. Men and women are different, so we must avoid any potential issues between male teachers and female students.”

Hyang nodded at Sejong’s words and continued, “So, let’s set the standards for female teachers in a way that brings honor to their village and family.”

“The honor of the village and family…”

Sejong’s face brightened as he considered the idea.

“That’s it! If we appoint filial daughters and virtuous women as teachers, it will be justified!”

“Exactly. We can gradually expand the scope from there.”

“Let’s do it!”

Hyang smiled wryly at Sejong’s enthusiasm.

‘Filial daughters and virtuous women… This will become a point of criticism in the future.’

However, this approach was effective in the current era and represented the best available option. It was the most effective way to appeal to the Confucian desire for honor among the sadaebu.

Thus, the employment criteria for female teachers at the Samin Schools were established.

* * *

While men voluntarily applied for the examination, unexpected situations arose with the women. Village elders and local officials sought out women recognized as filial daughters or virtuous women, urging them to apply.

“What does a mere woman know?”

“Hey! Don’t say that. Please help our village.”

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all the girls in our village emulated you and grew up with proper conduct?”

Receiving the title of ‘filial daughter’ or ‘virtuous woman’ was already a cause for village celebration, but having a teacher emerge from their ranks would further enhance the village’s reputation.

Amidst this flurry of activity, local officials sent numerous memorials [formal written requests or reports] containing similar content to the capital.

‘Although they may lack formal education, these women are recognized as filial daughters or virtuous women. Furthermore, they excel at weaving and sewing, so please consider them for employment.’

After considering these memorials, Sejong reached a decision.

“Loyalty, filial piety, and fidelity cannot be learned solely from books. They must be seen and modeled through actions. Therefore, even if they are uneducated, they are fully qualified to teach. Moreover, how can we underestimate the importance of mothers, who are the primary role models for young children?”

Following Sejong’s orders, women renowned for their fidelity and filial piety, even without extensive education, were recommended to educate the girls.

Sejong’s decision quickly spread among the people.

Many nodded in agreement.

“That’s right. Those in positions of authority must set a proper example for the children to learn properly.”

“Of course! Absolutely.”

“But, should we really teach the girls sewing separately? They can learn at home, right?”

“So, that’s why the sewing on your clothes looks like that?”

“…”

Regardless of social class, if the man responsible for the household’s finances was absent, the women had to take on the responsibility of supporting the family. Common jobs for women included day labor in the fields or sewing for hire.

Those skilled in weaving or sewing could live more comfortably than those who relied on day labor.

Therefore, few objected to educating girls in sewing and weaving.

The reason for using the word ‘almost’ was that a significant number of officials from the Ministry of Rites raised objections.

“Now that we have factories for weaving, is there really a need to teach weaving?”

“That’s true.”

“Let’s remove weaving. It’s better to teach them even one more letter in that time.”

The Minister of Rites, agreeing with his subordinates, argued to Sejong that ‘weaving’ should be removed from the curriculum. As Sejong and the other ministers were considering this argument, Hyang raised an objection.

“The automatic looms used in textile factories are based on the traditional loom. When there’s a problem with the fabric quality or the loom itself, those who have weaving experience will be better equipped to identify the issue than those who don’t.”

“Ah…”

Sejong and the ministers nodded at Hyang’s point.

“There is such a problem.”

“I’ve never woven before…”

Hyang grumbled inwardly at the ministers’ words.

‘These fortunate nobles!’

While weaving is generally considered a female domain, men often participate as well. In particular, men are heavily involved in weaving mats like hwamunseok [woven sedge mats].

However, most of the ministers in Geunjeongjeon [the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace] had never worried about earning a living. That’s why they were unaware of this aspect.

“Of course, automatic looms will continue to develop, eventually making weaving skills less essential, but for now, it’s still important to know.”

“That’s right.”

“We were being short-sighted.”

In the end, the Ministry of Rites’ proposal was rejected.

* * *

As April arrived, the screening process for appointing teachers began.

The men and women who passed the employment examination had to travel to Hanseong [present-day Seoul] for an interview. The examiners carefully observed the applicants’ tone and demeanor to assess their character.

A large space was needed due to the high number of applicants, so Sejong made the unconventional decision to use Changdeokgung Palace.

“Your Majesty! Giving up the palace is absolutely unacceptable!”

The ministers protested Sejong’s decision, but he remained firm.

“Who are we selecting? We are choosing those who will teach the children of Joseon! And who are these children? They are the future of Joseon! This is the beginning of a crucial endeavor, so why should we hesitate to use the palace for a while!”

Faced with Sejong’s strong stance, the ministers could not continue their opposition.

The ministers gathered in the State Council to discuss the matter further. Maeng Sa-seong spoke first.

“Rather, let’s use this opportunity to turn misfortune into a blessing.”

“Turn misfortune into a blessing?”

“One of the key criteria for selecting teachers is scholarship, but we also need to consider character, right?”

“That’s true…”

The ministers nodded in agreement. Sejong had emphasized ‘character’ when setting the selection criteria.

‘The most important quality for a teacher is character! If there’s no significant difference in scholarship and talent, prioritize those with good character!’

Maeng Sa-seong continued, “But, can we truly assess someone’s character with just a brief observation? And we have many other pressing matters, so we can’t dedicate a large number of people to the teacher selection process.”

Kim Jeom, who had been listening silently, clapped his hands and added, “That’s right! There are already many court ladies and eunuchs 배치 [stationed] in Changdeokgung Palace, so they can observe the applicants!”

“Exactly,” Maeng Sa-seong agreed.

The ministers nodded in understanding.

“Indeed, this could be an opportunity to turn misfortune into a blessing.”

Thus, the applicants were required to stay in Changdeokgung Palace, eating and sleeping there, and undergoing a second interview process.

The applicants wore number tags with large numbers on their chests. The eunuchs and court ladies who managed Changdeokgung Palace carefully observed the applicants’ behavior and interactions. Their reports were then sent to the Ministry of Rites, serving as guidelines for eliminating candidates.

* * *

It wasn’t just the Ministry of Rites that was busy with the Samin Schools. Hyang’s 51st District was also swamped with work.

The 51st District was tasked with producing the textbooks for the Samin Schools.

The number of children attending Samin Schools across the country was estimated to be between 200,000 and 300,000.

The entry age was between 5 and 7, but children could enroll up to the age of 12 if they wished.

This resulted in a minimum of 200,000 to 300,000 students.

It was impossible to print all the necessary textbooks using only the Jojaso (鑄字所) [royal printing office]. Therefore, the task was delegated to the 51st District.

“Why the 51st District again?”

The young officials questioned their superiors, becoming wary of the 51st District, which was steadily growing in size and influence as it took on more responsibilities.

The superiors’ answer was simple.

“The 51st District is the only place capable of handling the paper needed to print the textbooks.”

“There are many merchants who deal in paper.”

“Their capacity is insufficient. And the budget is substantial.”

The young officials fell silent. The 51st District possessed Hwangji (黃紙) [yellow paper, high-quality paper used for official documents].