CULTURAL POST #1 The hanbok (한복) is one of the most widely known symbols of Korea, embodying countless traditions, history, and artistry as the traditional clothing of the Korean people. Over time, hanbok has evolved including the artistry, pattern works, lines, colors, and symbols that are used. Unlike the contemporary period where hanbok is reserved for special occasions and performances, the traditional hanbok was once commonly worn. Some special occasions that the hanbok is worn in weddings by the bride and groom’s mother and father, National Hanbok Day, ceremonies, and more. Some places actually allow people and tourists who are visiting to rent hanboks for the day and if they are wearing them they get free entry into places such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
My journey into understanding hanbok made me appreciate its historical aspects and modern integrations within Korean fashion. In order to appreciate the culture and beauty behind hanbok, I studied its contemporary designs by famous designers like Leesle and Hyeon alongside traditional ones offered at the National Folk Museum of Korea. These pieces tell the story of how hanbok has been transformed and preserved through time. There are several key components of a traditional hanbok such as, a short curved sleeve jacket called jeogori (저고리); flowing full skirt worn by women called chima (치마); baji (바지), loose pants worn by men; and long overcoat called durumagi (두루마기) worn for warmth or during formal occasions. The basic structure of the hanbok was designed to facilitate ease of movement. The earliest recorded wearing of hanboks can be traced back to the Three kingdoms of Korea period which was from 57 BCE to 668 CE. Some early artifacts include the depiction of the hanbok on the tomb murals from the Goguryeo period (4th to 6th century CE). Color was also a very interesting topic that I found. I learned that for thousands of years people only wore hanbok that was white which symbolized purity. Color was also a means to distinguish class since commoners could only wear white hanboks and were forbidden from wearing any other colors. Colored hanboks were reserved for the elite and upper class Koreans. Aristocrats wore silk and embroidered fabrics, while farmers and commoners opted for simpler cotton versions. The philosophy behind hanbok also reflects Confucian values, emphasizing modesty, respect, and social harmony. However, in recent times, this has changed with many modern hanboks incorporating many different colors, patterns, embroidery, and more. I think especially with the rise of popularity in K-content, Kpop and more, it is more often seen in mainstream media. I know many kpop idols will wear hanboks for new years and send new years greetings to their fans.
By doing this cultural study I learned how the hanbok is a blend of both tradition and modernity. The fact that hanbok is still being adapted and worn today speaks to Korea’s deep respect for its cultural heritage while embracing innovation. Seeing young Koreans wearing hanbok in palaces and hanok villages made me think about how traditional clothing can be both culturally significant and personally expressive. Hanbok is more than just clothing—it is a representation of Korea’s history, values, and identity. Its beauty, craftsmanship, and meaning make it a timeless symbol of Korean culture.
My journey into understanding hanbok made me appreciate its historical aspects and modern integrations within Korean fashion. In order to appreciate the culture and beauty behind hanbok, I studied its contemporary designs by famous designers like Leesle and Hyeon alongside traditional ones offered at the National Folk Museum of Korea. These pieces tell the story of how hanbok has been transformed and preserved through time. There are several key components of a traditional hanbok such as, a short curved sleeve jacket called jeogori (저고리); flowing full skirt worn by women called chima (치마); baji (바지), loose pants worn by men; and long overcoat called durumagi (두루마기) worn for warmth or during formal occasions. The basic structure of the hanbok was designed to facilitate ease of movement. The earliest recorded wearing of hanboks can be traced back to the Three kingdoms of Korea period which was from 57 BCE to 668 CE. Some early artifacts include the depiction of the hanbok on the tomb murals from the Goguryeo period (4th to 6th century CE). Color was also a very interesting topic that I found. I learned that for thousands of years people only wore hanbok that was white which symbolized purity. Color was also a means to distinguish class since commoners could only wear white hanboks and were forbidden from wearing any other colors. Colored hanboks were reserved for the elite and upper class Koreans. Aristocrats wore silk and embroidered fabrics, while farmers and commoners opted for simpler cotton versions. The philosophy behind hanbok also reflects Confucian values, emphasizing modesty, respect, and social harmony. However, in recent times, this has changed with many modern hanboks incorporating many different colors, patterns, embroidery, and more. I think especially with the rise of popularity in K-content, Kpop and more, it is more often seen in mainstream media. I know many kpop idols will wear hanboks for new years and send new years greetings to their fans.
By doing this cultural study I learned how the hanbok is a blend of both tradition and modernity. The fact that hanbok is still being adapted and worn today speaks to Korea’s deep respect for its cultural heritage while embracing innovation. Seeing young Koreans wearing hanbok in palaces and hanok villages made me think about how traditional clothing can be both culturally significant and personally expressive. Hanbok is more than just clothing—it is a representation of Korea’s history, values, and identity. Its beauty, craftsmanship, and meaning make it a timeless symbol of Korean culture.
Comments
Interesting. I remember seeing Hanbok while I was in korea; but didn't know what they were. Thank you for the quick introduction. I wonder how colors are thought of with modern Hanboks; whether many colors or simple colors are in style and whether the traditional stigma of white Hanboks being for commoners persists.