Traditional Clothing of Korean

Hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, represents a significant aspect of Korean culture and identity through its unique beauty and long history. Originally a common everyday garment, hanbok is now mainly worn during special events or traditional holidays. Its graceful lines and harmonious colors have timeless charm, providing deep emotional impact even to contemporary individuals. Although the design and materials of hanbok have undergone several changes over time, its basic form and symbolic meanings have remained unchanged. Hanbok is categorized into men’s, women’s, and children’s wear, with specific meanings attached to the way it is worn and its color.

The design of hanbok emphasizes the natural curves of the body, creating a three-dimensional silhouette. It features a combination of outer and inner garments to achieve a voluminous silhouette, and the color combinations often reflect the wearer’s social status or role. Thus, hanbok is not just clothing but a vital cultural heritage embodying tradition, etiquette, and aesthetic sensibility.

Historical Background of Hanbok

The origins of hanbok can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period. During this time, hanbok developed in close association with Korean culture. Over the centuries, its shape and style evolved, with the basic form of hanbok taking shape during the Goryeo and Joseon periods. In the Goryeo period, influenced by Buddhism, clothing became more elaborate and decorative, whereas, in the Joseon period, influenced by Confucian ideals, a more restrained and modest design became popular.

In the Joseon period, hanbok colors and patterns varied according to social status. The king and queen wore hanbok adorned with gold thread, while the yangban (noble class) wore luxurious silk garments. In contrast, commoners used simpler cotton fabrics, with a more limited color palette. These distinctions in clothing were key elements in defining social class. Hanbok, therefore, is not just a garment but a historical artifact reflecting the political, economic, and cultural trends of its time.

Components of Hanbok

Hanbok is composed of several elements, including the top, bottom, outerwear, and underwear. These basic components work together to create hanbok’s unique elegance and dignity.

1. Jeogori: Jeogori is the top garment of hanbok and one of its most important parts. Women’s jeogori is usually short and fitted, while men’s jeogori is longer and wider. Jeogori can be made in various designs and lengths, reflecting the wearer’s individuality and the era’s trends. The length of the sleeves, the position of the ties (goreum), and the shape of the collar can vary according to the wearer’s status and circumstances.
2. Chima and Baji: Women typically wear chima (skirt) and men wear baji (pants). Women’s chima is wide and long, featuring a voluminous shape that flows naturally with the wearer’s movement, creating an elegant silhouette. Men’s baji is designed to be wide at the waist for comfort and is designed to be roomy for ease of movement.
3. Outerwear: Outer garments such as the durumagi are worn mainly in winter or for formal occasions. These garments enhance the overall appearance of hanbok and protect the wearer from cold weather. There are various types of outerwear, such as the magoja worn over the jeogori in winter for warmth, and the durumagi worn for more formal occasions.
4. Underwear: Hanbok underwear serves to maintain body temperature and protect the body. It is worn in multiple layers to add volume to the hanbok’s silhouette and accentuate the shape of the chima or baji. Underwear is crucial for comfort and protection when wearing hanbok.

Colors and Symbolism of Hanbok

The colors of hanbok are not merely for aesthetic purposes but carry symbolic meanings based on the principles of yin and yang and the Five Elements.

1. Red: Red symbolizes vitality and prosperity and is commonly used in joyful events such as weddings and celebrations. A bride’s red hanbok signifies new life and a prosperous future, making it an important aspect of traditional Korean wedding culture.
2. Blue: Blue represents calmness and peace, used to convey a serene and intellectual image. It also symbolizes harmony with nature and is used in hanbok to convey a thoughtful and gentle image.
3. Yellow: Yellow signifies centrality and was predominantly used in royal attire. It denotes power and dignity, being used in the clothing of kings and queens. Yellow represents the central point, symbolizing balance from all directions.
4. Black: Black signifies wisdom and gravity, used in solemn ceremonies and significant rites of passage. It also plays a crucial role in traditional Korean funeral culture, representing solemnity and seriousness.
5. White: White symbolizes purity and cleanliness and holds great significance in traditional Korean society. It represents the spiritual purity and innocence of Koreans and is the reason Koreans are referred to as 'the people in white' (Baek-ui Minjok).

Modern Hanbok

Today, hanbok is not worn as an everyday outfit but is still frequently worn during traditional holidays such as weddings, Seollal (Lunar New Year), and Chuseok (Harvest Festival). Recently, there has been a rise in modernized hanbok designs, making them suitable for everyday wear. Modern hanbok combines the elegance of traditional designs with contemporary practicality, appealing to many people.

Modernized hanbok is often made from lighter materials, offering comfort for daily activities. It is particularly popular among younger generations, who appreciate its blend of tradition and functionality. This modern hanbok has also gained international attention, frequently appearing in Korean dramas and films, showcasing its global appeal. The global recognition of traditional Korean clothing as a cultural icon is a highly encouraging phenomenon.

Considerations When Wearing Hanbok

When wearing hanbok, there are several considerations to keep in mind. First, as hanbok is designed to naturally wrap around the body’s curves, it is important to wear appropriate underwear. Women often wear multiple layers of underskirts to enhance the chima’s silhouette. This underwear not only enhances the beauty of hanbok but also adds to the wearer’s comfort.

Second, there are traditional rules for tying the jeogori’s goreum (ties). Traditionally, the left side of the ties should be on top. This is not just a decorative detail but an important etiquette for both men and women. Properly aligning the collar and tying the goreum are fundamental etiquettes of wearing hanbok.

Third, attention to posture and movement is important when wearing hanbok. Due to the wide chima or baji, walking or sitting may be slightly uncomfortable, so care should be taken to avoid soiling the garment. Particularly when wearing hanbok outdoors, it is essential to ensure that the long chima does not drag on the ground.

Hanbok Storage

Hanbok is made from high-quality materials and can be damaged if not stored properly. Silk or ramie fabrics are sensitive to light and moisture, so it is best to store hanbok in a dry, well-ventilated place. When storing hanbok for an extended period, use mothballs or pest repellents to protect against insects, and place paper between the folds to prevent damage.

Additionally, it is important to air out hanbok periodically to prevent moisture buildup and mold, which helps maintain the garment’s color and texture over time. Proper maintenance is especially crucial for high-quality hanbok.

Global Impact of Hanbok

Recently, hanbok has gained international recognition as a symbol of Korean traditional culture. With the Hallyu (Korean Wave) phenomenon, hanbok has frequently appeared in Korean dramas and films, increasing global interest. International designers are reinterpreting hanbok in modern contexts, showcasing its beauty and unique design on the global stage.

Furthermore, seeing international celebrities wearing hanbok at Korean cultural events significantly contributes to promoting Korean culture worldwide. Hanbok's position in the international fashion world highlights the global influence of Korean traditional culture.

Preservation and Conservation of Traditional Hanbok

In Korea, efforts are ongoing to preserve and protect the value of traditional hanbok. Museums and cultural heritage organizations engage in research and preservation activities for traditional garments. Additionally, artisans continue to create hanbok using traditional methods while incorporating modern sensibilities to create new styles.

Educational and experiential programs related to hanbok are actively conducted, ensuring that Korea’s traditional clothing is passed down to future generations.