Timeless Beauty

HANBOK

The timeless beauty of traditional Korean dress is taking the modern world by surprise! With its elegant straight and curved lines, meticulously crafted over many centuries, we cant help but be amazed by this stunning visual symphony of a uniquely Korean traditional style. 

Photo Credit: Ahn Young-joon/AP

The Hanbok originated in Korea around 57 BC to 668 AD, and can also be found in the surviving arts of the Goguryeo tombs. The basic design of the Hanbok also originated during that period. The ancient Hanbok included a set of clothing that consisted of a Jeogori (top), Baji (pants), Chima (skirt), Po (coat), Jokki (vest), Durumagi (Winter coat) and the Magoja (overcoat), with the basic structure of Hanbok pretty much remaining unchanged today. In the past, royalty and nobility wore the Hanbok, and commoners wore white or off-white colors of clothing called Minbok which means (clothing of commoners). In present times, modern day Koreans wear Hanbok for special occasions such as weddings, festivals, ceremonies, and celebrations. The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism established “Hanbok” day encouraging Koreans to wear the traditional dress. 

The modern Hanbok is a term for the fusion of traditional Korean styles and Modern western styles. Modern Hanbok have become a popular fashion statement for celebrities, models and the everyday fashion enthusiasts alike. With this new fusion of tradition and the contemporary, all people regardless of class may enjoy the ancient traditional beauty of the noble Hanbok. Traditionally the patterns and designs on Hanbok consisted of natural scenes, such as flowers, phoenixes and dragons. Today, the Hanbok is going bold with western patterns adding a new style to the centuries old attire. 

Photo Credit: Sportsdonga 

Modern Hanbok offer a highly stylistic fashion choice for any lover of the fabric. With bold colors, straight lines and simplicity, it can be worn with a combination of modern clothes or simply just modern Hanbok on its own! Its up to the fashion, the feel and the flow, but either way, the wearer will certainly catch the attention of the room at any party. Modern Hanbok should still be worn respectfully and mindfully, just as when one would wear traditional Hanbok. You are not simply putting on a T-shirt and jeans, you are wearing a tradition that goes back thousands of years. So, when wearing traditional Hanbok or its modern cousin, always be certain to be respectful so that way you are honoring the legacy and tradition of a highly refined and ancient Korean art. 

Jarrelle 

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanbok

https://mhctc.missouri.edu/exhibitions/beauty-of-korea/

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