Hanbok: Korea’s Traditional Clothing
Hanbok (한복) is a vibrant and elegant symbol of Korean heritage, rich with history and cultural significance. Though it's no longer an everyday outfit, it is still worn during special events like weddings, holidays and ceremonies. Let’s explore its significance and history!
The Meaning Behind Hanbok
The colours and patterns on hanbok can symbolise various things. For example, bright colours were usually worn by children and young women, while older people preferred darker tones. Embroidered designs like phoenixes, peonies, and dragons aren’t just for decoration either – they represent things like nobility, prosperity and power.
Hanbok’s History
Hanbok has been around for over a thousand years, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period
(57 BCE – 668 CE). Back then, it was designed for practicality, allowing people to move freely,
which was important for a society that relied on farming and horseback riding. Over time, the design evolved, especially during the Goryeo (918–1392) and Joseon (1392–1897) dynasties.
During the Joseon era, hanbok became more distinct and reflected social status. Aristocrats (called yangban) wore luxurious silk hanbok in bright colours, while commoners stuck to simpler fabrics and muted tones. The basic structure, however, remained the same: women wore a jeogori (a short jacket) with a chima (a long, high-waisted skirt), while men wore a jeogori with baji (loose-fitting pants) and sometimes a durumagi (a long overcoat) for formal occasions.
Hanbok Today: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Nowadays, hanbok isn’t something people wear every day, but it’s still an important part of Korean culture. You’ll see people wearing it during special events like Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), weddings, and a baby’s first birthday (doljanchi). In recent years, hanbok has made a stylish comeback. Designers are creating "modern hanbok," which takes traditional elements and makes them more suitable for everyday wear.
