South Korea's Hanbok: A Look at the Traditional Clothing

A Brief Overview

The Hanbok is a traditional Korean clothing that has been worn for hundreds of years. It is an important part of Korean culture and is often associated with special occasions such as weddings and holidays. The Hanbok consists of two main pieces- the jeogori (jacket) and the chima (skirt). The jeogori is usually made of lightweight silk or cotton and is designed with a V-shaped neckline and long sleeves. The chima is usually made of a heavier material such as silk or wool and is designed with a high waist and a wide, flowy skirt.

History of the Hanbok

The Hanbok has been worn in Korea since the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE – 676 CE). It is believed that the traditional design of the Hanbok was developed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910). During this period, the clothing was heavily influenced by Confucianism and its emphasis on modesty, simplicity, and elegance.

The traditional Hanbok has remained largely unchanged for centuries, but in the late 19th century, Western-style clothing began to be adopted by Koreans. In the mid-20th century, the Hanbok was almost completely replaced by more modern clothing. After the Korean War, the Hanbok experienced a resurgence in popularity and has since become a symbol of Korean pride and tradition.

Types of Hanbok

The modern Hanbok comes in a variety of styles and colors. The most common style is the jeogori, which is usually made of lightweight materials such as silk or cotton. This style is usually worn by women and is usually paired with a chima (skirt). The jeogori is usually designed with a V-shaped neckline and long sleeves.

The other common style of Hanbok is the baji, which is usually made of heavier materials such as wool or linen. This style is usually worn by men and is usually paired with baggy pants. The baji is usually designed with a high waist and wide sleeves.

In addition to the jeogori and baji, there are several other variations of the Hanbok such as the durumagi, jokki, and magoja. The durumagi is a long coat usually worn by men, while the jokki is a short coat usually worn by women. The magoja is a type of vest usually worn by both men and women.

Wearing the Hanbok

The Hanbok is traditionally worn with a sash, known as the gache, which is tied around the waist to keep the clothing in place. In modern times, the sash is often replaced with a belt, which is more practical and easier to put on.

When wearing a Hanbok, the top should be tucked into the bottom and the sash should be tied in a bow at the back. The sleeves should not be folded up, as this is considered bad manners. The bottom should be worn at knee-length or longer.

Conclusion

The Hanbok is an important part of Korean culture and is often associated with special occasions such as weddings and holidays. It is a traditional clothing that has been worn for centuries and is still worn today by many Koreans. The Hanbok comes in a variety of styles and colors and is usually paired with a sash or belt. When wearing a Hanbok, the top should be tucked into the bottom and the sash should be tied in a bow at the back.