The term Hanbok (한복) refers to traditional Korean clothing. It literally translates as ‘Korean clothing.’ North Koreans prefer the term ‘Joseon Ot’ (조선옷), or Joseon clothes. This refers to the Korean Joseon dynasty, which lasted 500 years from the end of the 14th century to the beginning of the 20th century.
The Hanbok is still worn today by Koreans for formal events and ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and certain holidays. Most hanboks worn today resemble hanboks worn during the Joseon dynasty by nobility and royalty. Traditionally, commoners wore white hanboks made from cheap, widely available materials such as hemp, linen, and cotton. Today’s hanboks are often colorful and feature ornate patterns.
Women’s hanbok is composed of a top, known as a jeogori (저고리), and a skirt, known as a chima (치마). The outfit is often referred to as chima jeogori (치마저고리). Men’s hanbok is composed of a jeogori with pants, known as baji (바지). Hanboks for women are often more ornate and fancier than their male counterparts.
Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Visitors who wear hanboks gain free entry. This creates a more immersive experience for visitors.
Studying the hanbok is impossible without also taking a deep dive into Korean history. The government traditionally enforced a dress code, that stated that the more colorful and ornate hanboks were reserved for nobility and royalty. Today’s hanboks are therefore a deviation from tradition in that sense.
The most significant and drastic change in Korean hanboks occurred during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Foreign interests in Korean at the end of 1800s marked the first introduction of western clothing into the country. Japanese colonialism is when a forced shift to western clothing occurred. Japan enforced a policy of erasing Korean culture, and clothing was a significant aspect of this: “After Japan annexed the country in 1910, Koreans experienced a campaign of cultural erasure and material extraction that sought to oppress their heritage in all aspects of daily life, extending to land ownership, language, food and clothing” (One Garment’s Journey Through History - The New York Times (nytimes.com)). The traditional white, commoner hanbok was banned during this period. Gradually, hanboks were phased out of everyday Korean life, which is the norm today.
As previously stated, Hanboks remain important in Korean culture. The Korean government officially declared October 21st as Hanbok day. Hanboks have also seen a resurgence in popularity due to being featured in historical kdramas and kpop music videos. Modern takes on the hanbok, featured shorter and more practical styles, have also emerged.
While the hanbok while likely never return as common, everyday apparel, it is certainly here to stay as a protected, historical cultural item and its influence can still be seen.
Comments
I like how you included the modern features of Hanbok. I remember wearing Hanbok on special occasions when I was younger. However, it becomes difficult to wear Hanbok because it costs a lot of money too. However, I still think it is an important aspect of Korean culture and history.
It was very interesting to think about a dress code regulating hanboks in Korea being enforced since I have only encountered dress codes in the contexts of academic and professional settings. I really like that you included how hanboks are resurging through kpop because I never would have guess the two would overlap. I know you mention that you don't think wearing a hanbok will become routine but I wonder if, with the introduction of a more modern take by kpop, a trend will surface at some point.
I can tell you did some very in-depth research regarding Hanboks! I didn't know half these facts and it was interesting to read about. I've only worn Hanbok as a kid, so I don't remember its different components, so that was cool to learn about.
Thank you for sharing this. It was very interesting to learn about Korean hanbok, and how it evolved. From the times when the government forced Koreans to follow the dress code to the days when the national Korean clothing is modified within the modern Korean culture.
I like the pictures you’ve added of the different hanboks in different Korean eras like the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. I wonder what caused these differences and if it was more of a functional choice or a fashion trend? Since hanboks have many parts and layers, I can see why royals needed assistants to help get them on. I wonder if modern renditions are made to be easier to wear without assistants (for non-royal figures)?
I appreciate the in depth lesson on traditional Korean Outfits. I liked the part where you mentioned the start of globalization of Korean culture(the Hanboks) between he 19th and 20th century. I really appreciated the fun fact that Visitors who wear hanboks gain free entry to the Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul. I thought it was a very innovative way to encourage people to keep up with traditions and also draw interest from tourists. It is a shame to hear that Japanese colonialism, like much other colonialism, eradicated much of Korean traditions and rituals during their occupation, yet it is not surprising. I also appreciated the variations of the traditional clothing in the different periods of Korean history from the Goguryeo Era to the to the late Joseon Era. It is quite unfortunate of how much of Korean culture was lost during its multiple eras of occupation from its neighbors and few are interesetd in preserving history.