Women in Joseon

Women in Korea during the Joseon period (1392–1897) had changing societal positions over time. They had fewer rights than women in the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), and fewer rights than contemporary men. Their declining social position has been attributed to the adoption of Neo-Confucian principles (with some practices local to Korea). It was uncommon for women in Joseon to be able to read, and it was sometimes expected that women wear clothing that significantly covered their body and head when they were in public.