When we talk of traditional Korean clothing, you must know that Korean clothing is backed by rich history and is a symbol of Korea’s colorful culture. These attires were backed by the three kingdoms of Korea and the traditions followed during that time. Hanbok is a world-famous traditional attire of Korea. It denotes creativity and expressiveness and is formal-style attire. The concept and the format of the dress date back to 1600 years. The other name for Hanbok is Joseonol. During special occasions or any traditional function, the Koreans love to sport their traditional attire, Hanbok.
More about Hanbok
Hanbok has been classified based on season, age, and gender. The dress is designed in such a way that it can accentuate the curves and angles of one’s body. The Hanbok may be classified into ceremonial Hanbok and everyday-wear Hanbok. The design of the handbook is unique. It is a combination of straight and curved lines. The Hanbok worn by women shows a beautiful combination of short jackets and flowing skirts. The drape and cut of the clothing complement the beautiful physique of the Korean woman and also flatters all types of bodies in terms of fit and style. The enticing color palette of the dress and its unique lines make the Hanbok stand out. As one walks wearing the Hanbok, the beauty of the dress is showcased further. This has allowed the dress to get global attention.
Parts of Hanbok
This traditional attire consists of three main parts: a vest, a top jacket, and pantaloons. Hanbok is a part of the Confucian dress code. Koreans are emotionally connected to the traditional dress and often consider it a divine order straight from heaven. The different parts of the Hanbok have other names, as given below:
Jeogori
Jeogori is a short, traditional Korean jacket. It is a part of the attire, Handbok. Women in Korea usually sport this jacket, and they love to wear it with long skirts these days. Kids often wear the Jeogori with other modern attire like pants or shorts.
The long skirts paired with Jeogori show a simple structural design and are arranged in a rhythmic flow pattern, thereby complimenting a woman’s gait.
Gatsin
Gatsin is a kind of footwear that Koreans love to wear. Make sure to wear this footwear to complete their traditional look. This footwear is usually worn with the Hanbok. In the past, leather was the only material used to craft these shoes, but today, various other materials are used to make the Gatsin. This footwear is also known by other names such as Gomsin or flower shoes. The shoes come in single colors and look elegant and unique. Women wear these shoes with the Hanbok or any dress of their choice.
Binyeo
Binyeo is a decorative hairpin that Korean women use to decorate their hair bun. With the Binyeo on it, the hair bun is known by the name of Chignon. This hair ornament is believed to complete the look of a woman. This hairpin is made up of multiple materials and comes in multiple designs. This hair ornament was intricately designed and made of glass in the past eras. It looked simply marvelous. Without this traditional hair accessory, the Korean look of a woman is incomplete.
Baji
Baji is the name given to the typical Korean pants. These pants are popular worldwide these days. They’re stylish and can immediately draw your attention. These are worn with the Hanbok and are loose-fitting pants and baggy in appearance. There is no particular material or colour for the Baji. You can get it in multiple styles, colours, and fabrics. Recently, Koreans have started wearing the Baji with various types of stylish tops to create a unique style statement.
Modern changes to Hanbok
With the winds of modernity blowing everywhere, the Koreans, too, have learnt to adapt themselves and bring changes to their attire. They are wearing the Hanbok in the style of a modern suit. The Scythian culture has played a dominant part in influencing the Hanbok. Around the late 19th century, the Hanbok started showing Western influences. When the women of Korea sport the modern style Hanbok, they become epitomes of women empowerment. The Hanbok dress of Korea may be worn in various styles and is, therefore, the most versatile attire. Apart from the Korean masses, the preachers and Saints of Korea too wear the Hanbok.
Hongdae
Another popular Korean dress is Hongdae. This dress is quite popular in Seoul. The dress depicts a high style sense. It is a symbol of street fashion in Korea, depicting rock and hip-hop aesthetics. It comes with baggy tops paired with fitted pants, which the men of Korea prefer to wear.
Chima and Dangui
Chima and Dangui are the other two Korean traditional attires. Chima is worn by the woman. It is a skirt-like attire paired with a short jacket, also called Jeogori. In recent times, various types of Chimas have come into the market. Dangui is traditional Korean attire. This attack is known by multiple names such as Samja, Dang Jeogori, Dang-hansom, etc.
Korean School Dresses
The Korean women are also fond of skirts with flares and mini dresses. The concept of oversized fashion is also pretty popular in Korea in the present times. When it comes to the school dresses of Korea, there, too, you can notice a modern style. A-line skirts with patterned plaits make the young schoolgirls look smart and pretty.
Korean Wedding Dress
Korean people stick to their traditions when it comes to Korean wedding dresses. Hanboks are worn during the wedding, but the colors selected actually make the wedding dresses stand out from the usual day-to-day Hanboks. On the wedding day, the Hanbok worn is brightly colored, mostly showing bright shades of red, yellow, pink, and green. The dresses are also beautifully embroidered with intricate designs. When the Korean bride steps out in her wedding outfit and with the makeup on, she looks like the perfect porcelain doll.
Conclusion
The traditional dresses of Korea aptly mirror the tradition and culture of this country. In this article, we have discussed thoroughly the beautiful dresses from Korea. If you’re planning to visit Korea shortly, pick some of the best dresses in Korea for your wardrobe.