The Yangban reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Yangban

Literati of pre-modern Korea. In 1392, these neo-confucian scholars overthrew the Koryo dynasty. The first leader was more of a figurehead put into power by 'merit subjects'. Yi, Songgye gives the name to the Yi dynasty (1392-1911). Neo-confucian thought was based on knowing Li (principle) through Qi (material force) and vice versa. During the Yi dynasty, the yangban were essentially the ruling class and hoped for a truly confucian state.

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