Is Koryo seen as an overall better dynasty than Choseon? Even though there are no stand out monarchs (except Taejo).
It depends on people's views.
One thing Koryo was better than Joseon was the military power and the emperor title. Koryo never thought of China as a superior being while Joseon considered China as the greatest country ever.
Here are some differences between Koryo and Joseon.
Koryo(self-named after Koguryo)
Joseon(Name given by Ming emperor. Yi Songgye asked Ming emperor to name his new dynasty)
Hwangjae[Emperor](until Mongolian rule)
Wang[King]
Crown Prince : Teja
Seja
Monarch refers himself as Jim
Kwa In
Subjects call him Hwangsang(imperial highness)
Jusang(royal highness)
Your majesty : Peha
Chonna
Yongpo(monarch's clothes) : Gold
Red
Name of government positions : same as Chinese empires
Not same as China. Joseon had degraded version.
Non-Crown Princes : Wang(King), Gong(Duke), Hu(Marquess)
Gun(Prince)
Made fun of Chinese diplomats
Ming diplomat=Ming emperor
Ignored calls for help on wars in China.
Helped Ming whenever called.
National religion : Buddhist(not strict)
Neo-Confucianist(Very strict)
Freedom of religion(even Islam was allowed)
No freedom of religion(Islam banned. Buddhist temples only in mountains)
Women almost equal to men
Men>>>>>>>>>Women
Men had to go live in women's house after marriage
Women had to go live in men's house after marriage
Women could inherit
Women could not inherit
Children can have mother's surnames
Only father's surnames allowed
Divorce, remarriage allowed
Divorce, remarriage banned
Luxurious mansions allowed.
Luxurious mansions not allowed.
2,3 floor buildings allowed.
Buildings must only have 1 floor.
Power centered on nobles
on kings(only before Imjin War)
Traded w/China, Japan, India, Middle East, Vietnam, Ryuku, Phillippines
Traded w/China, Japan, Ryuku
Merchants, Artisans, Craftsmen considered very highly
Merchants, Artisans, Craftsmen considred very lowly
Illegitimate children, slaves could rise to the top
Illegitimate children, slaves are doomed for entire life
Joseon kills all the good things of Koryo with just 1 thing though and that is Hangul.
Koryo has a lot of standout monarchs : Taejo, Gwangjong, Hyunjong, Deokjong, Moonjong, Yejong, Gongmin