HANBOK GUIDE – Your Guide to the Modern Hanbok

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Negosentro.com | HANBOK GUIDE – Your Guide to the Modern Hanbok | Throughout the world, Korean pop culture and television series have gained worldwide hype and popularity. With this rise in popularity, Korean culture has received much attention around the world. Of all other aspects, the Korean traditional clothing has received the most acclaim and the popularity of Hanbok has skyrocketed.

The Hanbok: What Is It?

Hanbok translates to “Korean clothing.” However, it has come to be associated with the clothing of the Joseon dynasty. This clothing dates back over 1,500 years. Over time, the dress has transformed to become what it is today – a modern Hanbok.

Typically, a Hanbok constitutes:

  • Jeogori:

This is the garment that forms the upper part of a hanbok. A jeogori is usually made from silk or hemp, but modern designers may introduce new materials. Traditionally, it was a fitted piece of clothing with long wide sleeves, ending in a different colored border, with removable collars and coat strings to tie it. While the men’s Jeogari is largely unchanged, the women’s Jeogari has undergone plenty of changes. The modern Hanbok features relatively shorter and sometimes more coat-like Jeogori.

  • Chima:

The Chima is the “skirt” that makes up the lower part of a Hanbok. The Chima is used in women’s Hanbok, and an underskirt layer called the Sokchima usually complements it. It was typically made from a rectangular cloth that was pleated for an elegant finish and made in beautiful bright colors. Over time, the Sokchima came to feature straps. On the other hand, the Chima was sometimes elongated to cover the upper body. A Jeogori is then used to complement it.

  • Baji:

The Baji is the lower part of a men’s Hanbok. The term refers to trousers in Korean. While it is unlike a Chima, the Baji is relatively loose and roomy. This makes it comfortable for movements and sitting down on the floor. The Baji also features a band on the waist to fasten it on top of a Jeogori. The modern Hanbok features a tighter fit that is sometimes banded at the bottom to narrow down at the ankles. 

  • Po:

The Po forms the outermost layer of a Hanbok. It is characterized as a robe or an overcoat that covers the wearer from top to bottom. This is the part of a Hanbok that has undergone the most changes over the years. The belt in a Po was later replaced with a ribbon. A Durumagi is a particular type of Po that is used as a warm piece of clothing on top. A Gwanbok was another variation in Po. It was adopted from the Tang dynasty and became a more formal type of dress. 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-wearing-hanbok-dress-1057034/

From Tradition Hanbok to Modern Hanbok.

The traditional Hanbok was rather bulky and difficult to move in with its many articles. It was challenging to wear as an everyday dress in contemporary times. However, it soon adapted to become lighter, becoming more comfortable to wear every day. It also became tighter in line with modern fashion. 

The modern Jeogori still retains its traditional shape but is often mostly flaunted in sleeveless form. The smaller size means that it can be worn in warmer months and is easier to wear. Next, the Chima has shrunken in size to look more like a long skirt. This gives it great versatility to be worn as both a formal and a casual piece of clothing. This has been the most crucial reason for its adoption in modern times.

Traditionally, a Hanbok was made only in natural colors that were bright and shiny. The modern Hanbok, however, comes in several different colors that are not as shiny. Adaptations in designs such as polka dots and stripes are also a regular feature. While bright and shiny colors are still worn today, they are more favored in casual gatherings. For professional meetings, quiet and sober colors are worn with formal accessories.

Given that it is less bulky today as it once was, the modern Hanbok also allows room for plenty of accessories. The shorter Chima also means that women can flaunt their heels with the dress.

Modern Hanbok Around the World.

The ease of wearing a modern Hanbok, coupled with its versatility in all settings, means that it has gained fame around the world. It has also inspired several new forms of clothing, even by non-Korean designers. But what is the point of knowing about modern Hanbok, if it is not easy to find for yourself? That’s why online stores such as Korean In Me have made it a priority to provide this graceful clothing to men, women, and children alike. You can choose from several styles to suit your personality. So, shop to grab your favorite modern Hanbok now at the leading Korean Hanbok Store, Korean In Me. Our services expand globally, along with our outstanding customer service.

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Topic: Hanbok Guide

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