Smallpox and Tigers... The Chakho Gapsa of the Joseon Dynasty

During the Joseon Dynasty, the two things the common people feared most were being eaten by tigers
and "Mama"... contracting smallpox.
Up until the Goryeo Dynasty, there was a general boundary between humans and beasts.
However, as land reclamation projects were encouraged during the Joseon Dynasty, the habitats of animals
gradually shrank and the ecosystem collapsed. Predators lacking prey
began targeting livestock in newly settled human villages.
As casualties from wild animals reached thousands per year, King Taejong, Yi Bang-won,
created a special forces unit to hunt tigers and leopards.
The organization is even recorded in the Gyeongguk Daejeon (National Code).
It consisted of 440 regular full-time members with high salaries and stipends.
The selection exams were as difficult as the military service examinations.
1. 200m archery
2. Horseback archery
3. Javelin throwing while riding a horse
4. 200m run while carrying 60kg
5. Racing to the mountain peak
They had the authority to request military mobilization from provincial governors and local magistrates,
as well as the right to mobilize warhorses and beaters.
Even a well-trained group of 2 to 3 Chakho Gapsa found hunting tigers to be difficult.
Many died in the line of duty, and compensation for their bereaved families was quite generous.
A typical squad consisted of 3 members who were skilled in archery and spears, with clearly divided roles.
The Chakho Gapsa were the elite among the Gapsa, but as firearms were supplied, the unit
gradually disappeared.