Hyang'yak
Encyclopedia
In the history of Korea
Hyang’yak was a contractual arrangement that allowed for a degree of local government
.
During the rule of Chungjong
(1506–1544), this contract was enforced by the local level officials; specific details were circulated in text and operated as an informal common law
. The hyang’yak became the core of Korea's social law and the vehicle of a degree of local autonomy for its villages.
This was a stepping stone for the Joseon Dynasty
in implementing government at the local level. Local yangban
, or Korean scholar-officials were lifted in importance because of the role they played. The implementation of the hyang'yak opened the way for schools and shrines and tied the yangban to the community as instrumental in strengthening the government at all levels.
History of Korea
The Korean Peninsula was inhabited from the Lower Paleolithic about 400,000-500,000 years ago. Archeological evidence indicates that the presence of modern humans in northeast Asia dates to 39,000 years ago. The earliest known Korean pottery dates to around 8000 BC, and the Neolithic period began...
Hyang’yak was a contractual arrangement that allowed for a degree of local government
Local government
Local government refers collectively to administrative authorities over areas that are smaller than a state.The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or federal government...
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During the rule of Chungjong
Jungjong of Joseon
Jungjong of Joseon , born Yi Yeok, ruled during the 16th century in what is now Korea. He succeeded his half-brother, Yeonsangun, because of the latter's tyranical misrule, which culminated in a coup placing Jungjong on the throne.-Jo Gwang-jo's reforms:On the day Yeonsangun was deposed, soldiers...
(1506–1544), this contract was enforced by the local level officials; specific details were circulated in text and operated as an informal common law
Common law
Common law is law developed by judges through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action...
. The hyang’yak became the core of Korea's social law and the vehicle of a degree of local autonomy for its villages.
This was a stepping stone for the Joseon Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
in implementing government at the local level. Local yangban
Yangban
The yangban were part of the traditional ruling class or nobles of dynastic Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. The yangban were either landed or unlanded aristocracy who comprised the Korean Confucian idea of a "scholarly official." In reality, they were basically administrators and bureaucrats who...
, or Korean scholar-officials were lifted in importance because of the role they played. The implementation of the hyang'yak opened the way for schools and shrines and tied the yangban to the community as instrumental in strengthening the government at all levels.