Traditional attire is one way to convey a country’s social identity, and the Korean hanbok is no exception. As a type of costume that is much more than a beautiful garment, it not only symbolizes cultural beauty but also reveals the depth of Korean history. And these intriguing facets of hanbok might surprise you. I will explore the historical development, color and pattern symbolism, the role of the hanbok in Korean festivals, the common fabric materials, and places visitors may try on the traditional attire.
#1. Historical Development
The earliest evidence of hanbok can be traced back to frescoes from the Kyuki-do period, around 300 BC. However, the hanbok, which is most typically recognized today, was developed and standardized during the Joseon Dynasty about 1600 years ago. This period was known for a strict social hierarchy due to the influences of Confucian principles. The hanbok was used to distinguish various social classes, such as kings, mandarins, and commoners. Within these classes, there was further discrimination against gender. As a result, the hanbok styles from this period were highly varied to reflect individuals’ social status.
#2. Symbolism Embedded in Colors and Patterns
Hanbok is more than just visually attractive, it also contains symbolic meaning. The colors selected for the hanbok hold cultural significance. There are 5 main colors used for this kind of costume namely red, blue, yellow, black, and white representing Yin-Yang concepts and the Five Elements in Eastern philosophy. But in the past, especially in the Joseon Dynasty, civilians were prohibited from using yellow to sew hanbok because it was only reserved for the king. Each aspect of hanbok is imbued with different meanings, standing for Korean values and beliefs. Patterns and motifs, such as peonies or cranes, are not simply decorative; they convey wishes for prosperity, longevity, and happiness.
#3. Hanbok’s Role in Korean Festivals and Ceremonies
Besides its normal use, the hanbok plays a vital part in Korean festivals and ceremonies. People often wear the hanbok on some major holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Harvest Festival) to show their cultural appreciation, commemoration, and respect for their ancestors. Additionally, the hanbok is worn during important events such as weddings, first birthday parties, and coming-of-age ceremonies. Each occasion requires specific styles and colors, partly making Hanbok an integral part of the social fabric and cultural practices.
#4. Common Fabric Materials
Hanbok is conventionally crafted from prohibitive fabrics such as silk and satin, which are known for their natural sheen and flow. The construction of hanbok involves meticulous craftsmanship, including techniques such as jogakbo, a patchwork method used to create intricate designs. The way the fabric is cut and sewn influences the hanbok’s drape and movement, highlighting the wearer’s grace. This attention to detail accentuates the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into each hanbok.
#5. Recommendations for wearing the hanbok when you travel to Korea
If you have the opportunity to visit Korea, do not hesitate to try on a hanbok. Before the journey, you might have to decide which destinations you are going to visit. There are some well-known places such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul which are highly recommended for tourists because of the picturesque backdrops for photos. If you wear the hanbok to visit Gyeongbokgung, the entrance fee will be free. You can rent clothes with some accessories and items in reputable shops like Hanboknam Bukchon, Hanboknam Changdeokgung, and Hanboknam Jeonju. These shops have received numerous satisfying reviews from customers. If you plan to visit this destination, the best time would be autumn and spring.
Photo Credits
1. Women wear the Hanbok in a traditional setting. Photo by
2. A traditional Korean building sits amongst cherry blossoms. Photo by
Phoebe Hoang is deeply passionate about exploring neighboring countries, especially Asian nations because of their wonderful cuisine and diverse cultures. Korea is an ideal destination she is looking forward to visiting in the near future. Through her blog articles, Phoebe aims to share her own insights about Korean tourism and express enthusiasm for this beautiful country.