Colorful History: What Koreans Wore Then and Now

Korean clothing has a rich history full of meaning and tradition. What people wore in the past depended on their social status, the occasion, and even the color rules of the time!

What is Hanbok?

The most well-known traditional outfit is the hanbok. This outfit is still worn today during special occasions like weddings, festivals, and New Year’s celebrations.

For women, the hanbok has:

• A blouse called a chogori

• A large, flowy skirt called a chi’mu

• Long sleeves and colorful fabric

Sometimes women wore many layers under their skirts to make them look bigger!

For men, the hanbok includes:

• A longer chogori (more like a tunic)

• Wide pants called paji

These clothes were not just stylish—they also showed who you were. In the past, common people wore mostly white clothes, but for parties or weddings, they used bright colors. Royal families wore the most colorful outfits, including gold, which was only for kings and queens.

What About Today?

Most Koreans now wear Western-style clothes like jeans, t-shirts, and jackets. Many people wear dark colors and dress conservatively, especially for school or work. Still, the hanbok hasn’t disappeared! It is proudly worn during holidays and important family events, especially by older generations.

Learn Through Korean Culture

At Dinolingo, children can learn Korean while discovering traditional clothes, holidays, music, and more. By exploring fun lessons and cultural stories, learning Korean becomes exciting and meaningful!