the revival of hanbok
Hanbok, the proud, traditional garment of Korea, has sparked a fashion trend in Korea. The clothing has a deep history, dating back to the Joseon dynasty. There are various forms of this garment for different occasions, genders, and seasons. One of the most well known types is the jeogori, the upper garment with multicolored, vibrant stripes. The garment is made out of fabrics like hemp, ramie, silk, and cotton. Nowadays, hanbok is only worn on special Korean celebrations such as Chuseok. However, several designers have produced daily wearable hanbok to remind people about the Korean custom.
Leesle is a popular brand that designs modernized hanbok with a high monthly sales of around twenty five million won. Other well-known lifestyle hanbok brands are Tchaikim and Inohjudan. The designer, Hwang Leesle, has overloading passion for reviving our old culture. Leesle’s brand story comes from a simple question, “Could hanbok be worn as a daily wear?” Leesle creates casual hanbok that can be worn with jeans, combat boots, and even backpacks, in everyday places like the market, cafes, and on campus too. Many people are embarrassed and reluctant to wear hanbok in their daily lives because they fear the public’s gaze. People who are not brave can wear it to special places that are fitting to wear hanbok. Korean cultural attractions, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanok Village, reduce the conspicuity because the garment blends into the background. Traveling to foreign countries wearing fusion hanbok inform foreigners about the Korean tradition. Husband and wife is wearing modernized habok while shopping at Costco.
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WRITTEN BY JIO JEONG
EDITED BY JON LEE DESIGN BY SEAN JS LEE The recent prevalence of modern hanbok is a beneficial reminder of our Korean culture. As more people become willing to wear the garment, the attachment towards our tradition will grow. However, most people feel awkward and show refusal towards wearing hanbok in daily lives because it is something unaccustomed and unusual. In order for hanbok to appear in the streets, not only the designers have many steps to take, but also Koreans have to change their perspectives and have pride on their tradition.
Models are walking in Leesle’s summer hanbok for the brand’s fashion walk in Hongik University on August 8th, 2014.
A woman wearing hanbok is posing in front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
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