'Saekdong' goes modern: Colorful Korean stripes get playful makeover

Saekdong hanbok for children / gettyimagesbank

“Saekdong,” Korea’s iconic striped fabric that is often seen in hanbok (traditional Korean attire), is being reimagined for a new generation of style-savvy shoppers, showing up in a range of products found everywhere from museum shops to luxury goods and Disney collaborations.

This fresh wave of popularity can be traced to Korea’s global cultural boom. The stripes entered the international spotlight with the Korea Tourism Organization’s (KTO) promotional campaign “Feel the Rhythm of Korea” in 2020, in which members of Ambiguous Dance Company and fusion pop band Leenalchi wore clothing made with saekdong patterns.

Momentum grew when Italian luxury brand Gucci released saekdong-inspired bags, clothing and accessories in 2021. Disney Korea joined the trend this summer, partnering with Korean artists to unveil a line of saekdong-themed products.

The Korea Times introduces the following selection of saekdong-inspired items worth taking a look at.

Saekdong hanbok

Saekdong has long been used in children’s clothing, and demand for saekdong hanbok remains strong, especially for toddlers and young children. Specialty retailers such as Hanseol and Shopmasimo offer a wide selection of children’s hanbok, including saekdong designs, through their online stores.

For adults, saekdong hanbok is harder to find, since the pattern was traditionally used only in clothing for children and unmarried people. However, yebok.com operates an online shop where shoppers can browse a wide variety of available designs. For travelers seeking to buy hanbok in person, traditional markets are also a good option — Seoul’s Gwangjang Market is particularly well known for both ready-made items and tailors who specialize in hanbok.

Saekdong jeogori bags / Captured from museumshops.co.kr

Saekdong jeogori bag

This quilted tote bag comes with a saekdong goreum (the ribbon or tie used to fasten jeogori, the upper garment for traditional hanbok). Available in black or white, the design is one of the most popular items from the National Museum of Korea's merchandise collection, and can be purchased at museumshop.co.kr.

Saekdong shoulder bag / Captured from museumshop.co.kr

Saekdong shoulder bag

This handmade shoulder bag features a geometric cutout pattern known as “chilbomun,” traditionally believed to bring good fortune. Beneath the shiny outer layer lies a vivid saekdong fabric, creating a striking contrast. The bag is also sold through museumshop.co.kr.

Hanbok bobusang bag / Courtesy of Disney Korea

Hanbok bobusang bag

This shoulder bag conceals a playful touch, as Disney collaboration saekdong fabric is used for the interior lining. The exterior is made of brocade, while the inner fabric incorporates a woven Mickey Mouse pattern within the stripes. A decorative fabric knot is attached to the strap in a nod to the fabric ribbons on hanbok. The word “bobusang” refers to itinerant merchants during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), playfully suggesting that the large bags would be suitable for pedders carrying their wares around. Part of the collaboration between Disney Korea and Korean fashion brand Hipseori, the bag is available at 10x10.co.kr.

Saekdong-inspired passport wallet / Captured from idus.com

Passport wallet

Combining cultural pride with practical design, this simple passport wallet features saekdong as its primary fabric, enhanced with small golden geometric motifs woven throughout. Created by a Korean artist, it is available at idus.com.

Saekdong-inspired sneakers / Courtesy of Darcygom

Shoes

Designer Lee Sung-ju — known for her interpretations of Korean heritage and for creating the costumes worn by Ambiguous Dance Company in the KTO campaign — produced a range of saekdong-inspired sneakers. These items are not sold through standard retail platforms, but instead can be preordered through crowdfunding sites such as tumblbug.com and wadiz.kr. While they are not currently available, shoppers can keep an eye on the designer's social media for updates.

Saekdong pouch / Courtesy of Disney Korea

Pouches

Zippered pouches are a useful item, but this set stands out for its vibrant saekdong pattern and is produced as part of Disney Korea’s collaboration with local artists. The fabric incorporates a woven Mickey Mouse motif. Sold only as a set of two, the pouches are available at 10x10.co.kr.

Saekdong stool / Courtesy of Studio Aaroc

Saekdong stool

This 45-centimeter-tall stool features a wooden frame topped with a tufted wool cover dyed in saekdong colors. Its vibrant stripes make it a striking interior accent, and the removable cover allows for easy cleaning. Designed by Studio Aaroc, a brand known for incorporating traditional Korean materials and motifs into lifestyle goods, the stool is available through the studio’s website and at 29cm.co.kr.

Saekdong-themed lamp with Mickey and Minnie motifs / Courtesy of Disney Korea

Saekdong lamp

This decorative lamp features a wooden frame and an illuminated interior. The highlight is the hanji paper panels printed with a saekdong pattern featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse illustrations, making it an appealing holiday gift for fans of both Disney and traditional handicraft. This item is also part of the Disney Korea collaboration and available at 10x10.co.kr.

Saekdong key ring with Mickey Mouse pattern / Courtesy of Disney Korea

Saekdong key ring

The keyring features a large fabric bow made with saekdong-style stripes. The stripes also include tiny Mickey Mouse silhouettes woven into the pattern, the result of a collaboration with Disney Korea. The bow is attached to a black loop with a toggle, making it easy to clip onto tote bags, backpacks or even luggage. They are available at 10x10.co.kr.

Saekdong bojagi rug / Courtesy of Studio Aaroc

Saekdong bojagi rug

This tufted rug features vivid, diagonally arranged stripes in red, blue, yellow, pink, green, purple and white. The center panel shifts to horizontal stripes, creating a framed effect and recalling a patchwork “bojagi” carrying cloth. The texture is plush and dense, creating a soft, cushioned feel suitable for a living room, reading room or entryway. It was designed and manufactured by Studio Arroc, which reinterprets traditional Korean elements for their designs. The item can be found at www.studioaaroc.com.