Traditional Korean Clothing

Clothes Traditional Korean clothing has its roots extending back at least as far as the Three Kingdoms Period, as evidence by wall paintings in tombs dating from this period. The korean hanbok represents one of the most visable aspects of Korean culture. 


The top part called a jeogori is blouse-like with long sleeves with the men's version being longer, stretching down to the waist. Women wear skirts (chima) while men wear baggy pants (paji). Commoners wore white, except during festivals and special occasions such as weddings. Clothes for the upper classes were made of bright colors and indicated the wearer's social status. Various accessories such as foot gear, jewelery, and headdresses or hair pins completed the outfit.




Clothing Materials

Clothes and accessories are made from a wide variety of materials. Different areas of Korea are famous for their specialized fabrics. Hansan, South Ch'ungch'ong Province, made such famous white ramie that it was sent to the Tang Chinese court for tribute during the Koryo period (918 - 1392). Andong hem was also favored by the yangban(upper class). The materials and manufacturing techniques strongly mirror Korean culture and society.


Fabrics
Because of the diverse weather conditions, clothes have been made from hemp, ramie, cotton muslin, silk, and satin. Cooler weather demanded heavier fabric, lined with fur in the northern regions, while sumer clothes used thinner materials that allowed breezes to cool the body. In the autumn, many women would wear clothes of gossamer silk because it gave a rustling sound while walking that is similar to walking through dry leaves.

Colors
White represents purity, integrity, and chastity, and was the most common color for common clothes. The upper class and court figures wore clothes in red, yellow, blue, and black in addition to white. These colors, symbolize the five traditional elements in Oriental cosmology (fire, earth, water, metal, and wood). Dyes were made from natural materials such as flowers or bark.


Sewing and Embroidery
In traditional times, a woman's skills in sewing and embroidering showed her devotion and caring for her family. Norigae, a form of Korean macrame, has been a popular hobby among wives and unmarried girls for years.

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