Damo (Korea)

For other uses, see Damo (disambiguation).

Damo specifically refers to class of servants during the Joseon Dynasty who were considered lower than slaves in their overall ranking within Korean society. Their main responsibility was to serve tea to the gentries. (Damo is literally translated as "Tea Lady".) Damos were also employed in the palace to work as attendants in various government departments.

Some historical records have indicated that in certain times, Damos were used as police officers to investigate crime, mostly for adultery and other crimes involving women, where male investigators could not ask questions about the case without causing embarrassment.[1] They were required to be " taller than 150 centimeters, weigh around 40-45 kilograms, be very agile, flexible, and even withstand large quantities of alcohol without getting drunk."[2]

This unique institution was the main inspiration for the 2003 Korean miniseries Damo, which in turn was based on Bang Hak-gi's manhwa Damo Nam-soon.

References

  1. ↑ Kim, Hyung-eun (5 May 2008). "Joseon cops similar to police today". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  2. ↑ "KOREAN TV DRAMA REVIEWS: 다모 (茶母, Damo)". Twitch Film. 16 February 2006. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved 2013-05-24.


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