This paper endeavors to examine the characteristics of Classics and Literary Licentiate Examination candidates who specifically resided in the Suwon area. The study strictly focuses on ‘Suwon’, a centric city of Gyeonggi province that was closely located to Hanyang. Suwon is particularly subject to scrutiny as it was considered as one of the four capitals in post～king Jung Jo era. It is notable to explore the Classics and Literary Licentiate Examination as candidates have formed the regional scholar gentry.
The list of Passers in Suwon area can be founded in Sama Bangmok, a list of examination of Classics and Literary Licentiate Examination candidates. Sama Bangmok lists 292 names. ‘Person DB’, an online historical figures database lists 305 residents, an increase of 13 names from Sama Bangmok. Overall, the number of Suwon residents whom passed the Classics and Literary Licentiate Examination were relatively small. As such, candidates were able to retain strong reputation in the Suwon area.
The age group of successful candidates varied. The majority were in their 30’s, followed by those in their 20’s and 40’s. The average age was 36.40 years old. 295 candidates can be considered by exploring the background, that is the degree of official rank listed in the examination roster.
In the early stage of Chosun Dynasty, the number of candidates of Classics and Literary Licentiate Examination remained low. However, during the time of King Jung Jo’s heir in the late stage of Chosun Dynasty, the number of candidates increased as King Jung Jo sought to construct Suwon as the new capital. In this respect, there is a relevancy between King Jung Jo’s vast interest on rejuvenating Suwon and the increasing number of candidates whom passed the Classics and Literary Licentiate Examination.
Those candidates who have passed the Classics and Literal Licentiate Examination were able to enjoy high reputation as the scholar gentry in the Suwon area. By considering the fact that only few castles concentrated on training the candidates and that the candidates in Suwon occupied small segment of the overall candidates, one anticipates that the candidates have enjoyed high social status in their regional community. Among the candidates who have passed the Civil Service Examination in the Suwon area were able to develop as noble scholar gentry, and further mature as national elites.