Modern Hanbok: Traditional With A Contemporary Twist

Modern hanbok has become a rising trend in Korea, as it is popular now to incorporate this traditional wear into a day-to-day look. From streetwear to chic, modern hanbok can be styled in a variety of ways.

What is Hanbok?

Before diving further into modern hanbok looks, let's go back to the basics: hanbok is the traditional clothing of Korea. It was first worn around 37 B.C. during the Goguryeo Era, but the style of hanbok we see today is stylized from the Joseon Era. Hanbok consists of three main components including the jeogori (jacket), haji (trousers), and jima (skirt). What makes this clothing distinct is the straight lines and angles, as the haji and jima have a billowing structure for a flowing silhouette. They would often have vivid colors and the hanboks of royalty would have designs such as dragons and phoenixes. Traditional hanbok is still worn to this day, but most often seen during traditional holidays such as Lunar New Year and weddings.

The modern hanbok is unique as it mixes the traditional look with contemporary styles. It is often mixed and matched for street fashion. For example, hanboks are traditionally worn with kkotseon (flower shoes) and boseon (hanbok white socks), but for modern hanbok, you can wear any shoes like sneakers and boots to personalize your look. Even adding the jeogori overtop your outfit or adding accessories can be simple and will elevate your casual look. Modern technology also allows hanboks to have a wider variety of colors and patterns for the fabric.

Modern Hanbok Brands

Danha

Danha was launched in 2018 by Danha Kim. It is a sustainable brand that takes its inspiration from these traditional patterns, fabrics, and styles, combining tradition and modernity to allow the hanbok to be worn for a daily look. They are most known for the modern hanboks that they designed for BLACKPINK.

Leesle

Leesle was created in 2014 by designer Hwang Leesle. Their clothes are made to be comfortable and fashionable by giving us a variety of styles and prints to allow for easy wear. They even had a collaboration with KARD.

Seorinarae

Seorinarae is another popular modern hanbok brand that uses modern patterns for their clothes including stripes, polka dots, and plaids. They also are known for their matching couple hanbok sets. K-Pop idols like Jimin from BTS have been spotted wearing this brand.