In the Joseon Dynasty, people with disabilities could be promoted to the rank of Jeongseung (a high-ranking government official), but with the influx of Western civilization, discrimination against people with disabilities began in earnest.
The traditional Korean term "장애인" (disability) originated from the English word "disability," which was borrowed from the Japanese translation of "장해자" (obstacle). Prior to this, the term "불구(자)" was more commonly used. Throughout history, the lives of individuals with disabilities in Korea have been shaped by a variety of factors, including political, religious, and social influences.
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