After the late 17th century, activities of Muroebae(無賴輩) in Seoul increased. This might be why displaced persons appearing in natural disasters and social/economic contradictions moved into Seoul. Some of them were vicariously employed under the Morip(募立) system, for their living. Others who could not be employed might be call Muroebae. These persons who could not belong to the legitimate system began to live in illegal, violent and unusual ways, in some cases. This paper regards the scoundrel as a boundary character that exists between Yuhansanza(有恒産者), the people(民) and Muhansanza(無恒産者) including nomadic people and Myeonghwajeok(明火賊). Muroebae were divided into Yusuhanmin(遊手閑民), Aksobae(惡少輩), Hasuin(下手人) and Geolin(乞人). Moreover, criminal offenses, Hyangdogye(香徒契) and Moribae as their main activities were examined. They caused some troubles by committing delinquent behaviors or created Geomgye(劒契), an anti-nobility organization. Meanwhile, they also served some positive roles in Seoul, some of which were represented by Hyangdogye and Moribae.
In particular, Hyangdogye which had socially functioned for mutual help was gradually transformed to a form of Yeokingye(役人契), along with inflow of Muroebae and urban changes. Some characters such as Yusuhanmin got the pay for their various labors. This suggests that they could make living without means of production and the climate in which labors were bought and sold in nongovernmental cycles was developed. In addition, Moribaes were newly incorporated into commerce at that time. It is presumed that they might played some roles in developing the Gyeong-gang(京江) commerce, in that their main activity areas were concentrated on Geyong-gang outside of castles, not on Jongno(鐘路).
Previous studies often recognized Muroebae as criminals or a crime syndicate similar to an organized crime group today. However, if they are defined as such a simplified group, Seoul, a space as commercial city with various potentials cannot be fully revealed. This study can verify that they played huge roles in the change of Seoul, by extending the definition of Muroebae. Although they have been recognized as delinquent group, it can be found that some of their activities can be interpreted as somewhat positive ones in the development of Seoul.