Korean Empire: Gyeongyeonjae
A Fictional Modern Day, Constitutional Monarchy of the Korean Empire.
An independence movement, supported by the Imperial Family, succeeded, and there was no division. The monarchy simply separated royal power from the constitution to limit the supra-legal authority of individuals in line with a changing modern society. The Imperial Family exists as a symbol of the nation and a guardian of culture, while actual administration is operated under a cabinet system.
Rank System
The 18 ranks and 30 degrees have become symbols of titles and nobility rather than official positions in modern society. In modern times, they are called 'Hoon-sa' (勳士), scholars with honorary titles, instead of the feudal title of 'Yangban'.
- Old Hoon-sa: Most are families of independence patriots. Some were Yangban before, and some received hereditary titles for their contributions to independence, but most are respected and recognized for their legitimacy due to having lived through the dark ages of the Korean Empire. Most inherit ranks of Jeong-sam-pum (正三品) or higher.
- New Hoon-sa: Individuals and their direct descendants who are designated as national intangible cultural assets, gold medalists, or contributors in the fields of science/technology/arts are considered New Hoon-sa. Ranks are not hereditary.
Imperial Educational Institution Boarding School Gyeongyeonjae (經筵齋)
A private school where members of the Imperial Family and Hoon-sa can enroll, divided into Sohak (elementary course), Junghak (middle/high school course), and Daehak (university course). The Sohak and Junghak courses include additional studies in history, traditional arts, and palace etiquette, in addition to the regular curriculum of elementary and middle/high schools. The Daehak course focuses on Korean subjects such as traditional culture, history, and palace administrative education. Therefore, Sohak and Junghak are mandatory, while Daehak is optional. External admissions are also accepted. Sohak and Junghak courses are only open to members of the Imperial Family and Hoon-sa, leading to them being referred to as 'a different world for the silver spoon generation'.
The school uniform is a modified 'Hakchangui' (traditional school uniform) in the form of a '생활 한복' (daily hanbok), with the four卦 (Sagwae) symbols of the dormitory on the sleeves and chest to distinguish their affiliated dormitory. For the university level, instead of uniforms or '과잠' (department jackets), a modern reinterpretation of the 'Dapho' (a type of traditional jacket) is worn, with the major's symbol displayed.
Dormitories: Sagwae (四卦) System
Dormitories are divided into four zones based on social status and personality, with the location of each building following the cardinal directions of Gyeongbok Palace.
> 1. Geon-dong
> > - Symbol: Heaven
> > - Admission Target: Imperial grandchildren and high-ranking royalty, families of Jeong-il-pum (正一品) rank
> > - Atmosphere: Strict etiquette, conservative, most luxurious
> 2. Gon-dong
> > - Symbol: Earth
> > - Admission Target: Descendants of independence patriots, traditional families
> > - Atmosphere: Gentle, academic, fostering a sense of community
> 3. Gam-dong
> > - Symbol: Water
> > - Admission Target: Artists, direct families of national intangible cultural assets
> > - Atmosphere: Free-spirited, creative, modern buildings
> 4. Ri-dong
> > - Symbol: Fire
> > - Admission Target: Direct families of contributors in sports, science/technology
> > - Atmosphere: Active, competitive, state-of-the-art facilities
Curriculum and Academic Calendar
> 1. Sohak (Elementary School)
> > - Location: Seoul
> > - Duration: 6 years
> > - Subjects: Korean, Math, Science, Social Studies, English, Etiquette Education (Palace walking, dining etiquette, correct use of honorifics), Traditional Arts (Calligraphy, Danso flute, traditional games and folk dances), Physical and Mental Training (Taekwondo and basic meditation)
> > - Academic Calendar: March (Entrance Ceremony), May (Filial Piety Week: inviting family elders to school for tea ceremony demonstrations), June (Dano Picnic: folk experience and poetry contest in imperial gardens like the rear garden of Changdeok Palace), September (Sohak Arts Festival: solo musical instrument performance and calligraphy exhibition), November (Winter Hanja Test: assessment of basic Cheonjamun and daily Hanja proficiency), other exams and vacation schedules are the same as the mandatory curriculum
> 2. Junghak (Middle School)
> > - Location: Sejong City
> > - Duration: 6 years
> > - Subjects: Regular middle and high school curriculum, Introduction to Imperial Studies, Modern Political History, State and Classics (reading historical records beyond the scope of the CSAT and interpreting classical Chinese texts), Horseback Riding and Archery (mandatory martial arts subjects for physical training and concentration improvement), Diplomacy and Social Skills (international etiquette, Waltz and Ballroom Dancing (preparation for imperial balls), Debate)
> > - Academic Calendar: April (Spring Sagwae Debate and Essay Competition: selecting representatives from each dormitory for a debate and essay competition on social issues), May (Imperial Sports Festival: Geon-gon-gam-ri dormitory competition), August (National Pilgrimage: a walking tour of historical sites nationwide), October (Autumn Grand Ball: a social and charity event inviting prominent figures), January (Coming-of-Age Ceremony (Gwan/Gye-rye): for high school graduates, a ceremony to celebrate adulthood and reflect on responsibilities and duties)
> 3. Daehak (University)
> > - Location: Sejong City
> > - Duration: 4 years
> > - Majors: Department of Imperial Law and Administration (constitutional system under constitutional monarchy, coordination of imperial decrees and general laws, practical cabinet system and training of high-ranking officials), Department of National Strategy and Economics (management of imperial assets (Naejangwon), national fund operation, modern corporate management strategies inheriting traditional merchant spirit (e.g., Gaeseong merchants)), Department of External Protocol and Diplomacy (protocol studies with royal families and governments worldwide, international organization cooperation, foreign languages and imperial diplomatic history), College of Traditional Science and Technology (structural mechanics of Hanok, modern interpretation of traditional astronomy, cultural heritage restoration and defense technology using new materials), Department of Sungkyun Humanities (reading of classics, comparative philosophy, interpretation of ancient documents such as Seungjeongwon Ilgi (Royal Secretariat Diaries) through digital archiving and Korean studies research), Department of Traditional Biomedical Engineering (combination of Korean medicine principles and biotechnology, modernization of imperial pharmacy recipes and new drug development), Department of Imperial Arts and Design (haute couture of imperial fashion, branding based on traditional patterns, modern arrangement and performance planning of traditional Korean music), Department of Security Tactics and Martial Arts (systematization of traditional martial arts (Subakhee, Taekkyeon, swordsmanship), imperial security strategies, research on special tactics combined with modern warfare)
> > - Academic Calendar:
> > 1st Semester:
> > • Early March: Entrance Ceremony and Baegwallye (拜闕禮). New students pledge their entrance to the Emperor in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbok Palace and vow loyalty to the nation. (Same as general university opening period)
> • Mid-March: Course registration and major exploration week.
> • Late April: Midterm exams. General academic exams.
> • Early May: Imperial Joint Festival 'Gahui-je (嘉喜祭)'. University festival period, including academic festivals from 8 departments and Sagwae dormitory sports competitions.
> • Mid-June: Final exams and end of semester.
> • July ~ August: Summer diplomatic dispatch and internships. Exchange programs with overseas royal schools or internships in government ministries.
> 2nd Semester:
> > • Early September: Start of semester and 'Chuseok Jinheon Uirye' (Autumn Harvest Offering Ceremony). An event to share students' achievements with the Imperial Family and local community.
> > • Early October: Anniversary of the founding of the university and 'Academic Competition'. Students present their research proposals or technology restoration achievements to cabinet officials for feedback.
> > • Late October: Midterm exams.
> > • Early November: Imperial Charity Ball. An annual event to foster social etiquette and raise funds for social contribution by gathering families of new and old Hoon-sa.
> > • Mid-December: Final exams and end of semester.
> [Winter Special Session]
> > • January: Observation of Royal Court Meetings and Policy Training. An advanced program for top students to observe actual cabinet meetings and imperial decision-making processes.
> > • Mid-February: Degree Conferment Ceremony (Graduation Ceremony). Graduates wear a modernly modified 'Jeongjagwan' (a type of traditional hat) shaped academic cap and black academic gowns instead of traditional mortarboards.