Seonbi

Seonbi (Korean: 선비) were scholars during the Goryeo and Joseon periods of Korean history. They were generally seen as non-governmental servants of the public, who chose to pass on the benefits and authority of official power in order to develop and share knowledge. However, some former bureaucrats were seen as seonbi, as they moved to the countryside after retirement and adopted the seonbi lifestyle. Seonbi in the traditional sense do not exist today, although the term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe people. When applied to a person, the meaning can be complimentary, highlighting a person's intelligence, morality, and composure. However, young South Koreans who tend to have low opinions of the Joseon Dynasty or Confucianism, tend to use the word ssib seonbi in a derogatory way, or just call them seonbi (this is more frequent today). It is used pejoratively to the English term "geezer", to mock people acting self-righteous, or to highlight a perceived anachronistic value system.