Korean traditional costume - Han Bok

Have you heard about ‘Hanbok’? ‘Han’ means Korea, and ‘Bok’ means cloth. Therefore, ‘Hanbok’ is Korean traditional clothes. Many foreigners say that Hanbok is one of the most beautiful clothes in the world, so Hanbok is very popular to them today.


A long time ago, Korean always wore Hanbok for everyday activities. Because the design of Hanbok has loose fit, it is very functional. The design of Hanbok changed during the Korean history. For example, around BC 45, the jacket of Hanbok was longer than today. However, during the Chosun era, around 1400, Hanbok shows different design and color. Also, the design of Hanbok and accessories are used to represent social classes. For example, royal class people’s Hanbok was made with luxury and brilliant color fabric. In addition, they wore many accessories because they wanted to show beauty and dignity. In contrast, the common people’s Hanbok was made with practical and simple color fabric such as cotton and linen.


Today, in Korea, people usually wear Hanbok on traditional holidays such as New Years day and the Korean Thanksgiving day. Also people wear Hanbok on their special days. For children, they wear at important events in school or on their birthday. For adults, they wear on graduation day or wedding day. This picture is my wedding Hanbok.


The Hanbok consists of upper and lower parts. The upper part of women’s Hanbok is called “Jugory”, and the lower part is called “Chima” which is a long skirt. Therefore, women’s Hanbok is commonly called “Chima Jugory”. Men’s Hanbok is different from women’s. The upper part of men’s Hanbok has three items. First, men usually wear Jugory, next “Jokky”, and then “Magoja”. The lower part of Men’s Hanbok is called “Bajy”, which is a part of pants. Men and women wear traditional socks called “Busun”. Finally, they wear shoes; it called “Gomusin”.
The Hanbok has simple design, but it has also beautiful and elegant silhouette. Therefore, when we wear Hanbok, we think keeping this silhouette is very important. Also wearing Hanbok is completed by tying cloth bands. However, tying bands is often difficult; today’s Hanbok has easier ways such as buttons and elastic band.

I love Hanbok because Hanbok has unique style and color. Although I don’t wear often, I am proud of our traditional beauty and style. I hope this beauty of Hanbok is more recognized by the world.