A Day in the Life of Joseon Dynasty People

The daily lives of people in the Joseon Dynasty varied greatly depending on their social status and occupation. Farmers would head to their fields at sunrise to work the land, with their tasks changing according to the season. Merchants went to the market to buy and sell goods, while artisans used their skills to craft various items. The yangban class focused on studying or preparing for official positions. At home, families ate and lived together, and since there were no bright electric lights like today, they often went to bed early at night. Time was told using the sun's position, water clocks, or sundials. In winter, ondol (underfloor heating) was used to endure the cold, and in summer, people sought relief from the heat by feeling the breeze on the wooden floors (maru). While clothing, food, and living spaces differed by social class, a commonality was living in accordance with the changing seasons. These lifestyles were quite different from modern times, yet they shared similarities with today in terms of living together with family and neighbors and working according to the seasons.