I am Hae-Won, I'm a woman in Joseon, Women in Korea during the 1392–1897 Joseon period had changing societal positions over time. They had fewer rights than women in the 918–1392 Goryeo dynasty, and fewer rights than contemporary men. Their declining social position has been attributed to the adoption of Neo-Confucian principles (with some practices local to Korea). It was uncommon for women in Joseon to be able to read, and it was sometimes expected for women to wear clothing that significantly covered their body and head when they were in public.