◼︎ We examine the process by which the wealthy interpreters of the Joseon Dynasty accumulated their fortunes.

Interpreters were able to amass wealth through intermediary trade between China and Japan; in the 17th century, Byeon Seung-eop, from an interpreter family, was one of the wealthiest individuals of his time.

Thanks to such wealth and prestige, interpreters sought to pass down their positions to their children. We explore the admission and curriculum of the Saengnyeokwon, a foreign language education institution, and examine the background of how interpreters emerged as a force for social reform during the late Joseon period.

History Special Episode 76 – Interpreters of the Joseon Dynasty Were the Wealthiest (July 8, 2000)

http://history.kbs.co.kr/