Page:Village life in Korea (1911).djvu/220

186 my knowledge, the matter was dropped and no more effort was ever made to collect the money.

The accused parties are always made to testify against themselves. In many cases the most fearful tortures are applied in order to extort testimony. One method used is that of binding the limbs above the knees and at the ankles, then inserting two hand spikes between them and slowly prying them apart till in many cases the bones are broken. The most common way is by flogging in the most unmerciful manner. The accused must always approach the court in the most humble and submissive attitude. This is begun by making low bows as soon as the gate leading to the court room is entered. I said court room, but this must be explained. There is no court room in the true sense of that term. The magistrate sits on the floor in his little office, usually about eight feet square, and through an open window conducts his court, while the accused and others interested in the proceedings stand in the courtyard. These bows are real Eastern bows, made by knocking the forehead on the ground. As soon as the gate is entered the first bow is made, and then every few steps till the accused stands in the presence of the court.

The prisons are often cold and damp and without any place to sleep but the cold stone floor. The hands and feet of the prisoners are often made fast in the stocks. Another method of securing the prisoner is by the use of the kang, which is a board about six feet long with a hole near one end, which is so arranged that it can be placed around the neck and made fast.