This study empirically reexamines the social characteristics of gyosaeng (Confucian students) in the late Joseon period by analyzing the records of 1,057 individuals in the Daegu-bu Household Registers from the late 17th to the 19th century. Moving beyond the conventional view of gyosaeng as a mere group for military service exemption, this research tracks their chronological trends and familial backgrounds to reveal the strategic nature of this status. The findings show that gyosaeng numbers fluctuated in alignment with government policies, yet remained significant even in the 19th century when the practical benefits of military exemption had diminished. This indicates that entry into the gyosaeng rank was driven by social prestige rather than simple economic gain. Specifically, yuhak (local scholar) families utilized the rank to preserve their lineage's status, while upper-tier military service families used it as a stepping stone for upward mobility into the yuhak class. In conclusion, gyosaeng was a multifaceted rank shaped by the divergent interests of different social classes. It functioned as a tool for status preservation for elites and a ladder for social advancement for upper-tier military groups. This study demonstrates that the hyanggyo (local Confucian school) was not just a refuge from duty, but a dynamic space reflecting the diverse social strategies and aspirations of local constituents.