Basic Introduction to Hanbok
Hanbok, also known as Joseon clothing, is a costume that originated from the Han Chinese and was modified after being introduced to Korea. It took shape during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897 AD). The hanbok is the traditional dress of Korea. In modern times, it has been replaced by Western attire and is typically worn only on holidays and special occasions. The traditional female attire consists of a short jacket and a wide, long skirt, which appears loose; for men, the traditional attire includes pants, a short jacket, vest, and waistcoat, showcasing unique styles. White is the basic color, and the materials and colors chosen vary according to the season and social status. During special ceremonies like weddings, even commoners wear elaborate clothing and accessories.
Product Features
The distinctive features of the hanbok are its bright colors and lack of pockets. It is generally believed that the hanbok possesses three major beauties: the curve of the sleeves, the white half-collar, and the shape of the skirt. Modern women's hanbok, commonly known as “chima jeogori,” includes a jeogori and a high-waisted skirt. Men's everyday hanbok, called “paji jeogori,” includes a jeogori and pants. When commoners wear more formal women's hanbok, they often wear a tangui over the chima jeogori, while men add a juui over the paji jeogori. Traditional high-class hanbok is usually made of silk gauze. Common people's hanbok is typically made of hemp, ramie, or cotton. (During the Goryeo period, Korean white ramie was renowned both at home and abroad.) There are also modernized versions of the hanbok (also known as daily-life hanbok) designed for everyday wear.
Historical and Folk Customs
The Korean people were originally scattered agricultural communities in the Ural-Altaic mountain range, favoring pyramid-shaped clothing with a narrow top and wide bottom. The basic style evolved around the Three Kingdoms period. At that time, trousers were short and tight-fitting, while the waist of the jacket was very close-fitting. Korean clothing underwent three significant transformations.
Three Kingdoms Period
The Tang court of China introduced silk robes to the Korean peninsula (anciently known as Silla). Noblewomen began wearing full-length skirts and jackets with wide sleeves (ru). Men wore close-fitting, knee-length jackets and wide-legged pants, with the pant legs tied around the ankles.
Joseon Dynasty
In the early Joseon period, women's clothing had sashes on the right side, which were thin and short. Later, they were moved to a more central position and made wider and longer. Men's attire in the Joseon period was basically influenced by Ming Dynasty clothing while incorporating their own ethnic aesthetic characteristics. There were strict distinctions in the colors, patterns, and styles of clothing worn by different social classes.
Modern Times
After North and South Korea became independent, each developed along different paths. North Korea focused on elegance and simplicity, while South Korea pursued clear and straight lines, often adding petticoats under skirts to create a puff-skirt effect. In modern hanbok, the vest and coat have origins in Western vests and the Manchu coat.