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Discover the essence of a hanbok, a cherished attire in Korean culture, often donned by women during festive occasions, gatherings, or matrimonial ceremonies. Featuring a graceful, flowing dress, a jacket adorned with a ribbon tie, and an array of accessories including hats, coats, and vests. Handcrafted with precision and intricacy, each garment tells a story. Embrace the hanbok dress, jacket, and traditional adornments effortlessly to exude elegance and authenticity at your next event.
Essential Steps
Dressing Gracefully
Don the undergarment dress and secure it in the front. Typically white, hanbok undergarment dresses feature a row of clasps or buttons at the front. Slip it over your head and fasten it snugly around your torso.
- If desired, you can even layer jeans beneath the dress since the undergarment usually extends to the ankles.
Slide the dress onto your arms, ensuring the opening is at the back. Depending on the dress style, it might feature broad straps or delicate spaghetti straps. Ensure the straps rest comfortably on your shoulders with the dress opening behind you.
Bring the rear ribbons forward and cross them over your chest. Locate the loose ribbons hanging at the back and draw them across your chest until they meet at the center. Adjust the tension to keep the dress in place without constricting your breathing.
- If necessary, adjust the front of the dress so the tie aligns perfectly on your chest.
Securely fasten the ribbons and tie them in a neat bow at the front. Grasp the two ends of the ribbon on the dress front and pull them snug. Tie a firm bow in the center of your chest to ensure it stays put while wearing your hanbok.
Pro Tip: The appearance of this bow is inconsequential as it will be concealed beneath the hanbok jacket.
Securing the Jacket
Slip into the jacket and secure the clasp at the front. Exercise care when donning your jacket over the dress, as it's often crafted from stiff material. Fasten the right side to the left to ensure closure at the front.
- Be mindful of any embroidery or beading on the sleeves as you put it on.
Create an X formation with the shorter ribbon atop the longer one. Join the two ribbons at the front of the jacket and identify the shorter one. With one ribbon in each hand, cross the shorter ribbon over the longer one.
Pro Tip: Tying the jacket can often pose a challenge. With practice, you'll master it in no time.
Form a knot by looping the long ribbon up through the X. Grasp the long ribbon and pull it upward over the short ribbon, creating a gentle knot at the top. Maintain a loose knot for ease of manipulation with each ribbon.
Twist the short ribbon around your fingers to create a loop at the top. Take the end of the shorter ribbon protruding from the knot and wind it around your fingers to form a loose loop, wide enough for the long ribbon to pass through.
- While assistance from a friend or family member can be beneficial, creating this loop and bow is simpler when you're wearing the jacket yourself.
Draw the long ribbon through the loop until it extends approximately 1 in (2.5 cm). Grasp the upper portion of the long ribbon and thread it through the loop around your hand. Tighten the knot by simultaneously pulling on the loop of the long ribbon and the end of the short ribbon.
- The knot should rest horizontally on the front of your jacket, with the loop of the long ribbon extending towards your left and the trailing ends of the ribbon hanging down on your right.
Smooth out the jacket's underarms to achieve a flat front. Using your hands, flatten the front section of your jacket. Create a triangular fold on one side of the jacket above your armpit, tucking the excess sleeve fabric underneath. Repeat this process on the opposite side.
- This technique helps maintain a smooth appearance for your jacket's front.
Finishing Touches
Layer jeans or leggings beneath your hanbok for added warmth. Given that the hanbok dress fabric is not particularly thick, wearing it in winter may leave you feeling chilly. Opt for leggings, yoga pants, or jeans to provide an extra layer of insulation.
- Since the dress is floor-length, your pants won't be visible at all.
Complete your hanbok ensemble with beoseon socks. If you intend to wear vibrant or colorful shoes, don a pair of beoseon socks to complement your hanbok attire. Ensure the seams align neatly over your feet.
- These socks resemble large, white stockings and typically reach mid-shin length.
Opt for flat, handmade shoes for an authentic touch. For a genuine look, consider donning a pair of ggotshin shoes, known for their intricate handmade details. These shoes typically offer comfort with their flat design, making them ideal for walking around.
- If ggotshin shoes aren't available, low heels or comfortable flats are suitable alternatives.
Accessorize with a norigae, a handcrafted tassel ornament. Norigae, adorned with long, flowing tassels, add a traditional touch to your ensemble. These knotted ornaments, often handmade, may complement your hanbok's color scheme or provide a vibrant contrast. Secure the top of the norigae to your dress's waistband, allowing it to drape elegantly over the front of your hanbok.
- Norigae are considered symbols of good fortune.
Lay a coat or vest over your jacket and skirt if available. Enhance your outfit with a long hanbok coat for added warmth or a shorter vest for upper body coverage. Secure the coat or vest's ribbons in a manner similar to your jacket's fastening, and confidently showcase your hanbok ensemble.
- Traditional hanbok coats feature the same flowy material as the dress, while vests may boast thicker fabrics and fur collars.
- While optional, hanbok coats or vests can elevate your look but are not essential for authenticity.
Finish your attire with a winter hat or decorative headpiece. Style your hair in a sleek bun or braids. Adorn your hairline with a beaded headpiece or don a large winter hat with an elongated train for a striking finish.
Pro Tip: Headwear is optional unless aiming for complete authenticity.
