Let's learn on what is a Hanbok?

Hi! Today let's learn more and in detail the Korean traditional dress which is called the Hanbok. Hanbok is a very beautiful dress which is worn mostly in traditional ceremonies such as wedding, engagement or Chuseok (Thanksgiving). The dress has no pockets, long flowing skirt (chima) and the top blouse (jeogori). 

The hanbok is originated from Goguryeo kingdom and it was designed to be baggy and loose for use of shamans. Today the hanbok has gone through many phases and some are foreign influenced and that's where we now have the modern fusion hanbok. Fusion hanbok looks more like a short dress, sexier and attracts the younger generation. However a normal hanbok stands to be quite expensive even at Namdaemun Market or Gwangjang Market.

During the Joseon dynasty, the royals have various versions of their jeogori (top blouse). The court ladies and royal members will be wearing dang-ui which is a shorter to the armpit and represents certain ranking. The dang-ui for the Queen, Princesses or other royalty has gold leaf patterns decorated from the shoulder part through the end of the sleeves, as well as the front and back side, and ribbon tied to the chest. 

As what we have seen in mostly sageuk or costume dramas, the actresses can be seen wearing different colours of hanbok and its head-gear (cheopji) represents their ranking in the palace or status. The Queen or consorts can be seen wearing their dragon or phoenix hairpin (binyeo) slid under their bun behind their neck. 
If you are looking to view some dramas in beautiful hanboks- there are some traditional dramas that display them. Example- Jang Ok Jung, Moon Embraces the Sun, Dong Yi and Yi-san. 

Also if you wish to purchase one for a school party, some special occassion, you can either get them tailor-made or ready made at the markets in Seoul. They come in various colours and design. The silk ones are obviously expensive with embroidery sewn on the collar and sleeves. For an average hanbok, you are looking to spend at least $100-150 (that includes the petticoat to be worn underneath) excluding the hair accessories and ornaments. 

                      

As for fusion hanboks, they are mostly worn as party dresses and even K-pop girl groups during Chuseok festival. It can either come in a long skirt (chima) or shorter one with vibrant colours and hairbands. Nowadays boybands are wearing traiditional costumes during these events. How cute can they be...in those traditional garb! He he!