The Nature and Evolution of Slave Management Policies during the Reigns of Taejo to Hyeonjong

This study analyzes the slave management policies of early Goryeo in the context of reorganizing the new dynasty’s hierarchical system. Positioned at the bottom of society, slaves were excluded from political participation and state welfare initiatives. Policies regarding slaves evolved with the state’s priorities, and slaves’ responses influenced future measures. King Taejo legitimized his rule by promoting “fostering public welfare” (安民) and equating rebellion with defiance of the Mandate of Heaven. Dissidents were demoted to public or temple slaves to block political re-engagement. This policy, institutionalized in the Eighth Articles of Royal Instruction (訓要八條), reinforced the view of slaves as traitors’ descendants. King Gwangjong expanded Taejo's vision by introducing the Slave Review Act (奴婢按檢法) to prevent freeborn individuals from being enslaved and to bolster the hierarchical order. This act led to significant slave emancipation nationwide. King Seongjong, addressing unrest from these reforms, curtailed emancipation while allowing conditional freedom. He enacted policies to return freed slaves to servitude if they disrespected former masters, a system later tightened under King Hyeonjong.