Seonbi
Seonbi (Korean: 선비; MR: Sŏnbi) were scholars during the Goryeo and Joseon periods of Korean history. They were generally seen as non-governmental servants of the public, who chose to pass on the benefits and authority of official power in order to develop and share knowledge. However, some former bureaucrats were seen as seonbi, as they moved to the countryside after retirement and adopted the seonbi lifestyle.
| Seonbi | |
18th-century painting of a seonbi composing a poem | |
| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 선비 |
| Revised Romanization | Seonbi |
| McCune–Reischauer | Sŏnbi |
Seonbis in the traditional sense do not exist today, although the term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe people. When applied to a person, the meaning can be complimentary, highlighting a person's intelligence, morality, and composure. However, it can also be used negatively, similarly to the English term "geezer", or to highlight a perceived anachronistic value system. Also, it also sometimes is used with a connotation with hypocrisy, especially due to the rampant corruption of the Joseon dynasty.