Compared with the Japanese kimono and Chinese cheongsam, Korea's traditional dress -- known as hanbok, and worn by women and men -- has remained under the international fashion radar.
Hanbok is characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. Hanbok colors are decided according to the "five colors theory" ("obangsaek" in Korean), which refers to the theory of yin and yang and the five elements. The hanbok commonly makes striking use of naturally-occurring colors.
There are many kinds of headgears and accessories worn together with hanbok. For example, the hair of a woman wearing hanbok is decorated with a binyeo (Korean traditional hairpin). Norigae, also is one of the major accessories for women.
Hanbok has a history of over 1,600 years. Though there have been slight changes in hanbok over time in terms of material, preferred colors, and the length of the skirt or jacket, the hanbok's basic format has more or less remained the same for the past 1,600 years. People worn hanbok daily up until just 100 years ago, but nowadays it is only worn on festival or for celebrations. It is a formal dress and many Koreans keep it for special times in their life. Children wear hanbok on their first birthday and adults wear it for their wedding ceremony and their 60th birthday.
As Korean traditional clothes, hanbok wearing experience has been one of culture experience for foreigner tourists in Korea. Also, tourists buy hanbok as souvenir because of its unique design and vibrant colors. Hanbok can be bought in many markets and shops, but the quality and price is so different. The finest custom-made hanbok can be found at Dongdaemen Shopping Complex, price start from US$ 1,000 because of high quality and tailor-made.
Many places provide hanbok wearing experience in South Korea. If you want to add it into your itinerary, please feel free to let us know.
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