The term "yangban" refers to the ruling class of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, which lasted from 1392 to 1910. This elite group was composed of educated individuals who held government positions and were often landowners. The yangban were known for their Confucian values, which emphasized education, moral integrity, and social hierarchy. Yangban society was characterized by a strict class system, with the yangban at the top, followed by commoners, and then lower classes such as servants and slaves. The yangban played a significant role in shaping Korean culture, politics, and education, influencing the country's development for centuries.