What are the 8 hanbok beauties?

Korea is a conservative country because tradition is a landmark that maintains importance in Korean culture. However, that doesn’t always mean bad things. Thanks to its traditions, hanbok still plays a fundamental role in Korean society today. Korean traditional clothing has its roots dating back to at least the Three Kingdoms Period. Korean hanbok represents one of the most visible aspects of Korean culture, and it has significant beautiful elements. Do you want to know what are the 8 hanbok beauties? Stay with us and keep reading!

What are the eight beauties that describe the hanbok?

Hanbok expresses the characteristics of Korea in terms of culture and history. Korean women wore hanbok daily until 100 years ago, although today people wear it on special occasions or during national holidays. However, the hanbok beauty rules are still strict and come from a thousand-year-old tradition. Like all other oriental costumes, each part of the dress has a mystical meaning. Here are the eight hanbok beauties:

The beauty of the structure

This beauty of hanbok refers to the structural beauty of the costume. It is simple and has a rhythmic flow that complements the movements of the body. Thanks to its simplicity, it provides a harmonious and beautiful structure. Because of that, it is one of the eight beauties of hanbok. Something also important in the beauty of the hanbok structure is that the hanbok for women provides a structural beauty because it consists of a short and tight jacket and a long skirt. While the male hanbok consists of pants and a shirt. As you can see, the structure is significant when it comes to the 8 hanbok beauties.

The beauty of the form

The shape is equally significant when it comes to hanbok. Korean traditional costume radiates natural physical beauty in its attractive silhouette and lines as well. They allow unrestricted movement of the body.

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The beauty of creativity

When it comes to creativity, it is present not only in current Korean fashion. We can also find it in the typical Korean costume. Koreans wear flat fabrics that only achieve dimensionality when worn on the body. When a person wears it, the hanbok takes on a life of its own. It is natural, elegant, and, above all, fluid. At first glance, the hanbok radiates naturalness and harmony.

The beauty of harmony

And talking about harmony, the hanbok features straight and curved lines. That gives it a flow appeal representative of a unique Korean aesthetic. We can say that the beauty of harmony gives hanbok the most identity.

The beauty of color

Of course, colors are essential in hanbok. Therefore, it is natural that they are also part of the 8 hanbok beauties. Hanbok colors relate to the theory of the five colors. It refers to the theory of yin and yang and the five elements. Hanbok tends to make striking use of natural colors, and each of them has some meaning. For example, in ancient times, colors had great social significance. They had the function to distinguish people from royalty, married women of unmarried women, and, even today, to the mother of the bride and the groom at weddings.

The beauty of the nature

We already mentioned that structure, shape, and colors play a significant role in hanbok. But another valuable element is the curved line. It is part of the most striking characteristics of the hanbok found in its full and loose form, in the irregular rhythm and proportions when worn. The curved line has a natural angle devoid of artificiality that creates a free-flowing effect. In addition, this allows the texture of the natural handwoven fabric to stand out. For that reason, the character of nature could not be missing in the 8 hanbok beauties.

The beauty of space

Some aspects of the hanbok design are intentionally left blank. It has the purpose that the user fills them in a unique way and to their preference. The beauty of the space allows the person to have the disposition to personalize the suit, but without reaching exaggerations or elements that may break the harmony of the hanbok.

The beauty of personal character

And continuing with the personality line in hanbok, it is time to talk about the beauty of the personal character of the Korean traditional costume. The full shape of the garment emphasizes the authority and dignity of the wearer. Some designs represented the social classification of the user, as well as the colors, as we already said before. After all, being able to add a little of ourselves is part of dressing taste. For that reason, personal character is part of the 8 hanbok beauties.

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How many types of hanbok are there?

Hanbok designs have undergone many changes over the years. Today, the hanbok looks more modernized and incorporates western fashion. They do so to attract the younger generation while remaining true to the roots of hanbok. The following are six types of hanbok that you can use without problems in modernity:

Hanbok for rent

You can find this type of hanbok in many tourist places in Seoul. Especially in the Insa-dong neighborhood.

There, the hanbok usually features bright golden patterns, embroidered flowers, and many designs.

The cost is between KRW 13,000 and 50,000. Paying for that, anyone can dress up like Korean royalty by choosing a royal hanbok or a simpler design.

The nearby Bukchon Hanok Village is the ideal setting for taking pictures. Also, it is perfect to see many Hanbok-clad tourists strolling through the capital. In addition, people who wear hanbok can enter the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces in Seoul for free.

Uniform hanbok

Modern Hanbok-inspired school uniforms are for middle and high school students in winter, summer, and sportswear versions.

They are comfortable enough to be worn daily and for a long time.

The project is part of a government initiative to promote cultural and national values.

Hanbok in the traditional Joseon style

Do you know that the traditional hanbok of the Joseon dynasty takes inspiration from the earlier Goryeo dynasty? Goryeo’s designs resemble Mongolian fashion.

Because of that, they were hanbok for longer blouses and panties.

In the Joseon era, the hanbok received a more modern look with a shorter, more fitted jeogori.

This type of hanbok is ideal for those who want to wear a modern hanbok closer to the original style.

Casual hanbok

Casual hanbok is a modern take on the traditional style.

This hanbok incorporates floral motifs, lace, and even the norigae feminine ornamental accessory.

Unlike traditional hanbok, casual ones have shorter skirts.

We can also see that in most modern Hanboks, which are lighter and with fewer layers.

They are hanboks you can use daily or as casual wear.

Work hanbok

Hanbok suits designed for the office include a one-piece dress or a two-piece suit with a short skirt.

It could also be one with pants for comfort.

Despite the different designs, they all have a jeogori.

They are comfortable and functional for long working hours.

Bridal hanbok

This hanbok incorporates works of art and intricate patterns that represent the wishes of marriage, family life, and happy motherhood. These elements are traditionally part of the hanbok. The bridal hanbok is usually red with many traditional accessories. In a modern wedding, the mothers of the bride and groom often wear hanbok, while the bride likes a Western wedding dress. However, some still prefer to wear hanbok. Because of that, the modern bridal hanbok sports a combination of eastern and western designs.

The 8 hanbok beauties are the characteristic elements of hanbok that make it different from other typical Asian costumes. Its functionality, structure, and harmony, colors, and designs make the hanbok a traditional garment full of symbolism and meaning. Knowing the eight beauties of the Korean traditional costume allows you to learn more about the beginnings of the most traditional garments. Remember that if you liked this post, you can keep visiting Korean Fashion Trends every day. Everything you want to know about Korean fashion is here!

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