Korea Culture: Traditional clothing

Traditional Korean clothing has its roots extending back at least as far as the Three Kingdoms Period (57 B.C. - 668 A.D.), as evidenced by wall paintings in tombs dating from this period.

Chogori and Ch'ima
The earliest versions of Chogori went all the way to the hips and were tied at the waist. By the late Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910), they only went as far as the arm pits, with a longer front panel to cover the breasts. Dongchong (detachable paper collars) help accent the woman's neck. Like the men's version, they are tied across the chest in front with a bow.

The ch'ima is a rectangular or tubular skirt with a high, pleated waistband. It is tied above the breasts with long sashes. By flowing over the rest of the body, it completely hides the female shape, strongly influenced by the Confucian society. Like the wide-legged paji for males, the billowing ch'ima allows a great deal of freedom for squatting, the preferred position when doing most household chores.

Wedding clothes