Kisaeng

Kisaeng, also called ginyeo, were enslaved women from outcast or enslaved families in Korea who were trained as courtesans to provide artistic entertainment and conversation to upper-class men. They emerged under the Goryeo dynasty and served the state at court and in the provinces, trained in music, dance, poetry and prose; some also worked in medicine and needlework, and many sijo by kisaeng survive. Their cheonmin status was hereditary, most careers were over by age 22, and in 1650 all kisaeng were made slaves of the government. The Gabo Reform of 1895 made them nominally free, and under Japanese rule the Kisaeng Regulation Order of 1908 grouped them with licensed prostitutes.