Royal Noble Consort was the title of royal concubines of Korean kings. During the Joseon Dynasty, they were part of the naegung and ranked beneath the queen, but above low-ranked concubines and court ladies. This meant that Royal Noble Consorts from rank 1 to 4 were considered part of the Royal Family. In Korea history, Han clan of Cheongju produced 16 queens, the largest number of queens including 6 most queens in Joseon dynasty. Queen Sohye wrote a book 'Naehun' introduction guide book for royal women. Thus, the Queen Consort was followed by 4 categories of high-ranked royal consorts, with 2 levels each. Level a ranked above level b : Bin 빈 : Royal Noble Consort rank 1a Gwi-in 귀인 : Royal Noble Consort 1b Soeui 소의 : Royal Noble Consort rank 2a Sukeui 숙의 : Royal Noble Consort rank 2b Soyong 소용 : Royal Noble Consort rank 3a Sukyong 숙용 : Royal Noble Consort rank 3b Sowon 소원 : Royal Noble Consort rank 4a Sukwon 숙원 : Royal Noble Consort rank 4b
For the rank of Bin, the King or Queen consort would attach a prefix in association with the character/personality of the Royal Consort, such as Huibin, Sukbin, Euibin, and so forth. However, they are all of the same rank "Bin" so they are all of equal rank. 5a. sanggung and sangeui Court Ladies who served directly under the royal family members, and the head manager of their assigned department. Depending on their role and department, there would be internal ranking within the sanggung. For example, a sanggung who served the Queen has higher authority and ranking than a sanggung who serves a prince, princess, and/or concubine. A sanggung could also become a "Royal Concubine" if the King showed favor. They would be called "favored sanggung" and would be considered the highest rank of the 5a. However, since they are still in the rank of 5, the "favored sanggung" would not be considered a member of the royal family, part of the naegung, and considered a Royal Noble Consort. Instead, they would just be known as a concubine of the rank of sanggung. However, the favored sanggung would have a sanggung of her own to serve her. On some occasions the favored sanggung was promoted to the rank of Sukwon. The most notable case is Royal Noble Consort Hui of the Indong Jang clan. Officially admitted Royal Noble Consorts would start from the rank of Sukeui. Non-officially admitted Royal Noble Consorts would start from the rank of Sukwon. The most notable case is Royal Noble Consort Hui of the Indong Jang clan. 5b to 9b. Rankings of the lower class palace ladies and girls. Palace ladies are usually admitted into the palace from a young age. Therefore, the palace becomes their primary residence. They are not allowed to leave the palace except on special occasions with the permission of the higher ranking.
