The Yangban were on the top of the social hierarchy in pre-Modern Korea. They were the Korean equivalent of nobles and were given many advantages over the peasants and the slaves. Only the Yangban were allowed to take the civil service exams, the results of which determined placement into high ranking civil positions. The Yangban dominated the Royal Court and Military of pre-Modern Korea and often were exempt from various laws including those relating to taxes. In addition to stipend granted to them from civil service duties, the Yangban often received bribes and other illegal forms of payment in exchange for positions in the Royal Courts and the Military. Often, corrupt Yangban also confiscated land from the peasants by imposing ridiculously large taxes on the land and then seizing the land under the pretense of unpaid taxes. In modern day Korea, the Yangban no longer possess an advantage but often boast of having a Yangban ancestor. Yangban ancestry can be traced through the Chokbo or the Korean equivalent of a family tree which is passed down in each family through the eldest son.
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