Korean Traditional Clothes
Korean Traditional Clothes
Women Hanbok
저고리 Jeogori
The Upper Garment
The jeogori is the upper part of the hanbok, and it is shorter than Western-style jackets, covering only the shoulders and chest. It is characterized by its wide sleeves and simple, curved design, along with two ribbon ties known as goreum that are fastened on the right side, giving it an elegant and harmonious appearance. In the past, the jackets were longer, but over time they became shorter to highlight the beauty of the upper body and to suit modern tastes. The jeogori is typically made from silk or cotton, with the fabric chosen depending on the occasion. It is often embroidered with traditional patterns such as flowers or butterflies, symbolizing femininity and grace.
치마 Chima
The Long Skirt
The chima is the traditional wide and long skirt worn above the waist, extending down to the ankles. It forms the lower part of the hanbok and can be made of one or several layers. It is wrapped around the body and tied either at the back or front. The chima gives a sense of elegance and softness, concealing the body’s shape in a way that preserves modesty while highlighting the graceful movement of the wearer. Typically, luxurious silk fabric is used, with strong colors such as pink, red, green, or indigo—each color symbolizing life, purity, or happiness depending on the occasion.
Men Hanbok
저고리 Jeogori
The Basic Upper Garment
The jeogori is the essential upper part of traditional Korean attire, worn by both men and women, though its shape and details differ by gender. For men, the jeogori features a simple and elegant design. It is relatively short compared to modern clothing and has wide, square-shaped sleeves. It is fastened with two fabric ties known as goreum, which are tied on the right side. The jeogori is usually made of cotton or silk, and its design takes into account symbolic colors that reflect social status or the occasion on which it is worn. For example, white was commonly worn in daily life, while bright colors were preferred during holidays and formal events. The jeogori represents Korean simplicity and discipline, highlighting the wearer’s elegance without the need for excessive decoration.
바지 Baji
The Traditional Loose Pants
Baji refers to the traditional Korean pants that form an essential part of men’s hanbok. They are known for their loose-fitting design, which allows complete freedom of movement—reflecting the practical lifestyle of Koreans in the past, especially for farming or daily activities. The baji is tied at the waist with a fabric strap called dari, and can also be tightened at the ankles with additional ribbons called ddeok to secure it during movement. This design was ideal for traditional life, providing full comfort whether sitting on the floor or performing tasks. The baji symbolizes modesty and simplicity and represents a balance between elegance and practicality in Korean culture. For formal occasions, it is made from luxurious fabrics such as silk, and the edges are sometimes decorated with simple embroidery.