Hanbok’s literal translation is ‘Korean clothing’ and is referring to a traditional two-piece clothing worn in Korea. Historically, it used to be worn daily. However nowadays it is only worn during special occasions such as first birthdays, weddings, funerals, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving 추석), and Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day 설날). Most Koreans always have a hanbok saved for special occasions like these. There is even a Hanbok day in Korea implemented by the government in order to encourage citizens to wear them. There are many types of hanbok to include: everyday dress, royal dress, official uniforms, bureaucratic uniforms, civilian uniforms, ceremonial dress, and other special dresses.
Standard hanbok consists of a blouse (jeogori 저고리) and long skirt (chima 치마) for females; blouse and pants (baji 바지) for males. Hanbok was invented during the Goguryeo Dynasty (37B.C. ~ 668A.D.) and it was designed to be aesthetically beautiful, symmetrical, and balanced around the concepts of yin and yang. Certain colors represent different elements: white (metal), red (fire), blue (wood), black (water), and yellow (earth). These colors also were indications of one’s social position and marital status. Bright colors were worn by children and girls. Unmarried women wore yellow blouses and red skirts. Upper class wore a variety of colors. Commoners were required to wear white, but sometimes during special occasions they had shades of pale colors like pale pinks, light greens, grays, and charcoal. The material of the hanbok also helped to identify social status and position.
There are a few additional pieces that can be worn with hanbok as well. Males often wear a vest called jokki (조끼) and an outer robe called po (포). Males and females also wear a long jacket called magoja (마고자). Magoja was traditionally a Manchu style of clothing before its introduction into Korea society following Heungseon Daewongun(father of King Gojong)’s return from political exile in Manchuria in 1887.
Starting around the 19th century, when Western dress became more popular, a few major changes were made to hanbok and following the 20th century, hanbok fell out of fashion. Hanbok may or may not become daily attire again in Korea, but it does still hold traditional values. Through hanbok, we can see Korea’s Confucius base and emphasis on social status. Many foreigners seek out multiple villages, palaces, and other areas in Korea in order to experience wearing hanbok.
Written by: Caleb Rigsby
Honolulu, Hawaii. Sophomore, Korean for Professionals Major at University of Hawaii at Manoa. Intern at VANK(Voluntary Agency Network of Korea)