Age perception of Gisaeng women, according to Han Jae-rak, in 19th century Korea

Abstract

From its origin in the 14th century to its end in the 19th century, the Joseon Dynasty is identified as one of the most important periods in Korean history. In this context, the role of the gisaeng, women belonging to the lowest class of society (cheonmin), who were dedicated to the entertainment of the men of the highest class (yangban) through their knowledge of the arts, stands out. This study presents an investigation into the age perception of gisaeng women, using the book "녹파잡기" (Nokpajapgi) as a primary source. This is a compilation of records on the most prominent gisaeng in the Pyongyang region in the early 19th century, compiled by author Han Jae-rak, a yangban man of the time. For its analysis, a translation work from Korean into Spanish has been carried out, since there was no previous translation of these records into Spanish. The translation of "녹파잡기" brings an innovative character to this study, introducing these records to the Spanish-speaking public, with the aim of initiating new lines of research of this book in Spanish.