Korean Hanbok is the traditional attire that has been worn by Korean people for centuries. Literally translated as Korean clothing, hanboks are worn on special occasions like Korean New Year’s Day (설날, Seollal), Korean Thanksgiving Day (추석, Chuseok), Korean 100th Day Celebration (백일, Baek Il), First Birthday Celebration (돌잔치, Doljanchi), and weddings.
Hanbok has been experiencing a revival as of late and many modern, more comfortable versions of hanbok are now available. Top celebrities and Kpop stars have also been seen sporting stylish contemporary styles fueling the trend to wear hanboks on more than just special occasions.
1. The Story of Hanbok
2. Composition of Korean Hanbok
Hanbok’s basic composition is a top (저고리, jeogori) and a bottom (치마, chima for women and 바지, baji for man).
Here are the Korean hanbok components not indicated in the picture above.
속치마, sokchima – Korean traditional underskirts worn by women. They are worn underneath chima (skirt).
두루마기, dulumagi – Korean traditional outer coats. They are worn by both females and males. However, in the old days, men had to wear dulumagi year-round inside or outside whereas women only wore it when they went outside to warm themselves on a cold day or show courtesy.
버선, beoseon – Korean traditional socks. They are worn by both females and males.
꽃신, kkotchshin – Shoes for females made of silk with flower patterns embroidered on them.
갓신, gahtshin – Shoes for men and boys made of silk with Korean traditional patterns embroidered on them.
3. Types of Hanbok
The most standard hanbok is the traditional one from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) and then there is the modern hanbok which is tailored to be both stylish and comfortable for daily life. The modern hanbok (생활한복) became globally popular because BTS, Blackpink, and other K-pop idols frequently wear them in their daily lives and their music videos.
Joseon Hanbok
Modern Hanbok (생활한복)
4. How to Wear Hanbok
For Women
For Men
4. Where to Buy Hanbok
Since we don’t live in Korea, it is hard to know where to buy Hanboks. However, there are increasingly more options for purchasing hanbok outside of Korea. Here are some well reviewed options:
Korean Hanbok for Children
These hanboks are perfect for a girl or boy on their Korean 100th Day Celebration (백일, Beak Il), First Birthday Celebration (돌잔치, Doljanchi), or any special occasions. These hanboks’ size is available up to age 8 or 10.
Pink Lunar Dress Hanbok, $128 +
Princess Cocoa Hanbok, $94.50 +
Gold Ivory/Pink Dress Hanbok, $128+
Korean Hanbok for Women
These hanboks are perfect for women on their wedding day, their child’s Korean 100th Day Celebration (백일, Beak Il), their child’s First Birthday Celebration (돌잔치, Doljanchi), 60th birthday Celebration (환갑, hwangab), 70th birthday Celebration (칠순, chilsun), 80th birthday Celebration (팔순, palsun), 90th birthday Celebration (구순, gusun), or any special occasion.
Spring Meadow Custom-Made Hanbok, $1,200
White Hanbok Socks, $20
Butterfly Norigae, $24
Hanbok for Men
These hanboks are perfect for men on their wedding day, their child’s Korean 100th Day Celebration (백일, Beak Il), their child’s First Birthday Celebration (돌잔치, Doljanchi), 60th birthday Celebration (환갑, hwangab), 70th birthday Celebration (칠순, chilsun), 80th birthday Celebration (팔순, palsun), 90th birthday Celebration (구순, gusun), or any special occasion.
Grey Modern Hanbok, $85
Hanbok for Pets
Why not dress up your beloved pets in hanboks when you wear hanbok as well? You, your family and your pet will look so adorable in hanboks together! Here are some recommendations from us.
Brown Boy Pet Hanbok, $38+
Pastel Vest Pet Hanbok, $37+
Ribbed Pet Hanbok, $35
Navy Boy Pet Hanbok, $35
6. Hanbok Rental at Etsy
If you are interested in renting Hanbok for special occasions like birthdays, Korean New Year’s Day (설날, Seollal), Korean Thanksgiving Day (추석, Chuseok), Korean 100th Day Celebration (백일, Baek Il), First Birthday Celebration (돌잔치, Doljanchi), and weddings, Etsy would be the perfect place for it.
Pink Hanbok Family Set, $120+
7. Watch K-Pop Music Videos That Feature the Hanbok
Hanbok has been celebrated and popularized recently by celebrities wearing traditional garb for everything from special appearances to music videos. Here are some cool examples of how Kpop stars have reimagined the hanbok tradition.
BTS – Legendary ‘IDOL’ Special Stage @2018 MMA
BLACKPINK – How You Like That (The Tonight Show: At Home Edition)
Agust D (Suga) – Daechwita
Stray Kids – Back Door
OH MY GIRL – 살짝 설렜어 (Nonstop) @2021 Golden Disc Awards
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