Traditional hanbok: parts and how to wear it

A jeogori has a collar called git, a white detachable collar strip on top called dongjeong, ribbon ties called goreum, front panels called seop, sleeves, and a bottom hem called doryeon. The curved underside of the sleeve is called baerae. Knowing these names makes rental shop and museum explanations much easier to follow.

The dongjeong is a narrow white strip attached over the jeogori collar. Because the part touching the neck gets dirty easily, it is said to have been designed so the strip alone could be removed, washed or replaced. The crisp white line also frames the face and gives hanbok its neat look.

The common method is to cross the long and short ribbons, tie them once, then form a loop with the long ribbon to make a knot, letting the ends hang down. Arrange the loop so it sits neatly to one side. If it is your first time, asking staff at a rental shop or experience center is the easiest way.

A traditional hanbok skirt, called chima, wraps around the body and is tied with straps above the chest. Because it sits at chest height rather than the waist, the skirt flares out in a full silhouette. The wrapping direction and tying method can vary by design, so simply follow the rental shop's guidance.

It is common to wear a petticoat or underpants beneath the skirt. The petticoat helps the outer skirt keep its full shape and prevents it from being see-through or clinging to the legs. Rental hanbok often come with a petticoat, so check whether one is included when you rent.

Men's hanbok basically consists of a jeogori jacket and baji trousers, with a vest or a magoja jacket layered on top and a durumagi overcoat when going out. The trousers are roomy and tied at the ankles with daenim bands. Rental versions often simplify this set to make dressing easier.

A daenim is a narrow band used to tie the ankles of men's hanbok trousers. It gathers the wide trouser legs at the ankle so they do not get in the way when walking or working. In modern everyday hanbok and rental sets, elastic or buttons are often used instead.

The durumagi is a long overcoat worn over hanbok, and in the past it was the proper garment for going out. Both men and women wear it, and winter versions may be padded or made of thicker fabric. Today it is mostly worn for holidays, ceremonies and outings in hanbok on cold days.

A magoja is a sleeved jacket worn over the jeogori, notable for fastening with buttons instead of ribbon ties. A baeja is a sleeveless, vest-like layer worn for warmth and style. Both are often added to hanbok in winter or on more formal occasions.

Beoseon are traditional cloth socks worn with hanbok, known for their toes that curve slightly upward. They were worn snugly to give the feet a neat line. With rental hanbok, many people simply wear regular socks or stockings, so ask the shop if you would like beoseon.

A norigae is an ornament for women's hanbok, hung from the jeogori ribbon or the skirt waistband so it dangles down. It is made of knotwork, tassels and decorations of jade or metal, often in shapes that wish for good fortune. Some rental shops lend them as accessories.

A daenggi is a cloth ribbon tied at the end of braided hair, and a binyeo is a long hairpin that holds a chignon in place. In the Joseon era, unmarried people generally wore braids with a daenggi, while married women wore a chignon secured with a binyeo. Today both are used freely as accessories for hanbok experiences.

Yes, there were cold-weather head coverings such as jobawi and nambawi. The jobawi, mainly worn by women, wrapped around the ears and cheeks, while the nambawi covered the forehead, ears and back of the neck. Today you may see them as decorative pieces in first-birthday or winter hanbok photos.

Joseon-era men tied their hair into a topknot, held stray hair with a headband called manggeon, and wore a gat on top. Indoors they might wear a tanggeon instead. Headwear differed by status and occasion, and today you mostly see these items in museums or at traditional events.

Hanbok is roomy and the skirt wraps around, so sizing is more forgiving than with regular clothes. Choose the jeogori by shoulder fit and sleeve length, and the skirt by a length that suits your height. Size labels vary by maker, so treat them as approximate and trying it on is the most reliable way.

Yes, the length and width of the jeogori changed greatly across eras. Early Joseon jeogori were relatively long, but they grew shorter toward late Joseon, with some reaching only about chest level. Museum exhibitions of period clothing show these changes clearly.

If the skirt is long, lightly lift the front with one hand as you walk so you do not step on it, and be extra careful on stairs. When sitting, gather the skirt from back to front to reduce creasing. Sleeves are wide, so hold the cuff lightly while eating to avoid stains.

Fold hanbok neatly along the seams and, if possible, remove the dongjeong and decorations to store separately. Keep it in a ventilated place away from humidity and direct sunlight; silk hanbok is often wrapped in paper or cloth. Care varies by fabric, so following the seller's instructions is the safest choice.

Tying the skirt above the chest makes the upper body look short and the skirt long, creating a full, graceful line. This pairing of a short jeogori with a long chima became the classic form of women's hanbok from late Joseon onward. Many modern everyday hanbok are worn at the waist for comfort.

Museum education programs, cultural experience centers and hanbok rental shops sometimes teach how to put hanbok on properly. Around traditional holidays, cultural events may also offer hanbok dressing experiences. Programs and schedules change, so check each institution's official information before you go.