songgol

Korean social system

Also known as: sacred bone

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The term "songgol" refers to the highest rank within the kolpum (bone-rank) system of the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla. This rigid social hierarchy determined an individual's status, political power, and even the types of marriages they could enter into. Those of the chin'gol ("true-bone") class, which included the songgol, held the highest privileges and monopolized political power. This system was a defining characteristic of Silla society, influencing social mobility and access to leadership positions.12

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kolp’um
…the system: two gols (sŏnggol, or “sacred bone,” and chin’gol, or “true bone”) and six dup’ums (or “head ranks”). The two gols were from the royal and formerly royal families; the sixth dup’um through the fourth were from the general nobility, and the third down to the first from…
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…the system: two gols (sŏnggol, or “sacred bone,” and chin’gol, or “true bone”) and six dup’ums (or “head ranks”). The two gols were from the royal and formerly royal families; the sixth dup’um through the fourth were from the general nobility, and the third down to the first from…
Read More