This text examines the changes in military wages in 15th-16th century Joseon (Korea). In previous research, military wages were evaluated as a continual burden on soldiers as they kept rising. However, at that time, there was a difference between stan...
This text examines the changes in military wages in 15th-16th century Joseon (Korea). In previous research, military wages were evaluated as a continual burden on soldiers as they kept rising. However, at that time, there was a difference between standard prices and market prices for military wages. Therefore, the changes in military wages have sufficient research value.
First, the standard military wages shifted from being somewhat vague to being clearly defined. In 1485, Bo-in established a payment of 1 pil per month for Jung-gun. Then, in 1493, military wages for foot soldiers engaged in construction labor were set at 3 pil per month. In 1541, foot soldiers’ military wages were raised to 3.5 pil. In 1493, the military wages for the maritime army in Gyeonggi Province were set at 3 pil per month, and in 1543, the military wages for Na-jang and Jo-rye were established at 2.5 pil per month. From this, it can be seen that the government made continuous efforts to standardize military wages from 1493 to 1543.
Next, in the case of market prices for military wages, various features can be observed. Firstly, before determining the costs, Bo-in’s monthly wages ranged from 8 to 9 pil, but after that, it decreased to 2 to 3 pil. Although it was still higher than the standard military wages, a significant change can be found. Secondly, foot soldiers exhibited three characteristics. Firstly, before 1541, military wages were 8 to 9 pil. Secondly, before 1541, during years of bad harvests, military wages ranged from 30 to 50 pil. Thirdly, after 1541, military wages matched the standard military wages at 3 to 3.5 pil. This indicates that the increase in military wages was not a continuous trend but varied depending on the occurrence of bad harvests. It also indicates the positive effects of improving the military wage system in 1541. Finally, in the case of the navy, military wages consistently increased, while Na-jang and Jo-rye showed the opposite trend. This suggests that the application of the reform had a direct impact on the changes in military wages.