Hanboks (한복) are Korean traditional gowns that Koreans wear for celebratory occasions such as holidays and weddings. As a matter of fact, Hanboks can be considered as a type of 빔 (Bim), which is clothing worn only for special occasions such as a child’s first 100-day birthday. During Chuseok, Koreans gather around with their family in traditional clothing to pay respects to their ancestors and wish for a wonderful year to come.

In ancient times, Hanboks were not only daily clothing, but also an indication of one’s class and status. For example, Hwarots were full dresses that were worn by princesses, queens and the king’s concubines or bridal wear for ordinary women during the Joseon an Goryeo dynasties. These Hwarot hanboks had a variation of patterns and embroideries (which Hanboks for lower class women would not have) that represent good fortune, wealth and longevity.

The design and style of Hanboks have evolved throughout the centuries ever since the Three Kingdoms of Korea Period. Now, Hanboks commonly refer to the clothing from the Joseon Dynasty and was regarded as everyday wear until 100 years ago. A basic set of women’s Hanbok includes a jeogori (top jacket) and chima (underskirt) while men’s Hanbok include a jeogori and a pair of baji (pants). There are usually more layers of clothing in a full set of traditional Hanbok; thus it is much more difficult to put on and unrealistic to wear in a daily setting.

Nevertheless, as young Koreans nowadays become more interested in their history and traditions, there are artists who are creative about how to incorporate traditional wear into daily styles. As a result, many young Koreans have started to wear modernized Hanbok, a type of Hanbok that allows the wearer to move more easily while also appreciating their own traditional fashion.