Hanbok exhibition reflects traditional values
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A collection of “jeogori,” or a basic upper garment of Korean traditional hanbok clothes at Cheong Wa Dae Sarangchae in Jongno-gu, Seoul. / Korea Times photo by Kim Jae-heun
By Kim Jae-heun
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched a hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) exhibition on Sept. 15 at Cheongwadae Sarangchae in Jongno-gu, Seoul, displaying some 90 pieces to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Liberation Day. The event runs until Oct. 1.
The show, organized by the Hanbok Advancement Center, Kyungwoon Museum, Lee Rhee Za Gallery and Korea Tourism Organization, looks back on the history of the traditional clothing and the changes in style it has gone through with the influence of Western culture since Korea gained its independence from Japan in 1945. The show seeks to instill pride and teach the values of hanbok among Koreans and encourage them to wear the traditional costumes in daily life.
“I am sad that people don’t wear hanbok anymore these days, even at special occasions such as weddings or funerals,” said Seo Bong-ha, a professor at Yong-In Songdam College, who conducted the press tour around the exhibition and discussed the history of hanbok. “Fortunately, we are starting to see a new trend with the younger generations wearing modernized hanbok in Insa-dong and taking selfies to post on their social network services.
Modernized hanbok are on display in the last section of the show. / Korea Times photo by Kim Jae-heun
“The newly designed hanbok may not be the same as our ancestors wore several decades ago, but I believe it is unnecessary to force young people to wear old uncomfortable designs, which could only make them avoid traditional outfits altogether,” said Seo.
In six sections, the exhibition showcases changes of hanbok styles and materials used for production in chronological order. The show also introduces hanbok that former presidents and their first ladies have worn at national events. Some of the symbolic outfits were custom-made for special events, such as the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the Miss Korea contests.
The collection of “jeogori,” or the basic upper garment of hanbok, displays variations from 1930s to 1960s. The early versions of the 1930s and 1940s adopt mainly black and white colors representing the national colors, which were used to show the spirit of resistance against Japan. However, hanbok of the mid to late 1990s becomes more splendid in colors, patterns and materials as a result of the Western influence, highlighting the heyday of the traditional clothing.
The show also displays eight pieces of traditional costumes for hallyu or the Korean Wave, which have been worn by the actors and actresses starring in popular historical drama series “My Love from the Star,” “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “Dae Jang Geum.” The exhibition is expected to attract Koreans as well as visitors from abroad, as Cheongwadae Sarangchae is a popular tourist attraction for foreigners.
The last section of the event is decorated for visitors to suggest ideas on enhancing hanbok culture and sharing their thoughts to improve the traditional clothing. The video clips show old pictures of people wearing hanbok during different times.
“The hanbok exhibition contains stories of the traditional outfits that have changed with the times. I hope this show provides a chance for visitors to experience the history and understand the value of hanbok as well as the significance of the 70th anniversary of Liberation Day,” said a Ministry of Culture official.