The Korean Aristocracy, known as the yangban, was a privileged class in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). This elite group consisted of scholars and government officials who held significant power and influence in society. They were often landowners and were educated in Confucian ideals, which shaped their roles in governance and culture. The yangban were responsible for maintaining social order and promoting Confucian values. Their status was hereditary, meaning that wealth and privilege were passed down through generations. Over time, the decline of the yangban class contributed to social changes and the eventual modernization of Korea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.