Serf / Outcast
Lesser最下層民 — The Lowest Stratum of Society
Cheonmin (賤民) was the lowest social class in Korea's Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) caste system, collectively referring to slaves, butchers (baekjeong), entertainers, shamans, courtesans, and shoemakers — below yangban (nobles), jungin (middle class), and sangmin (commoners). The name comes from the Chinese character 'cheon' (賤, lowly), and they were essentially a caste with virtually no legal protection, forbidden from owning land, taking civil service exams, education, and certain occupations. Slaves comprised the largest proportion, sometimes 30-40% of the population, divided into public slaves (state-owned) and private slaves (privately owned). Despite their essential roles — butchers handled slaughter and leather work, entertainers performed and acrobatics, shoemakers made footwear — they faced harsh discrimination. The class system was abolished in the 1894 Gabo Reform, but social discrimination persisted long through the colonial period and after liberation. In fantasy settings, this can be adapted variously, such as classes forbidden from using magic or subject to forced conscription.