Modern hanbok school uniforms
These days, the modern hanbok has become increasingly popular – just look at BLACKPINK, who recently wore hanbok-inspired pieces in a music video. Coupled with the rise of the “Newtro” (New+Retro) trend in South Korea, where people are drawn towards anything nostalgic, it’s not a surprise that hanbok-inspired school uniforms have become a thing.
Modern hanbok uniforms to be adopted in 22 schools
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
From October onwards, 22 middle and high schools will roll out hanbok uniforms for their students. This is part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s project to repurpose the traditional hanbok for everyday wear.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
The traditional beauty of a hanbok incorporated into daily wear is a strategic move to keep Korean history and culture close to the hearts of youths. These hanbok uniforms focus on durability and comfort, which is a refreshing change from existing uniform designs that tend to be tight-fitting.
Winter version hanbok uniforms
Image adapted from: Hanbok Advancement Center and Hanbok Advancement Center
The winter version of hanbok uniforms feature modern-style jackets with unique collar designs inspired by the jeogori, the upper garment of a hanbok. Bottoms are also designed to be loose and easy to move around in, just like in the olden days.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
The trouser design strikes a great balance between Western-style pants that are fitting at the waist and the roomy design of a traditional baji, the bottom part of men’s hanbok.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Similarly, the female hanbok uniform is designed with a traditional collar and a loose-fitting skirt. There is also a dress version that looks just like a traditional women’s hanbok, but with a shorter skirt for ease of mobility.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Summer version hanbok uniforms
Image adapted from: Hanbok Advancement Center and Hanbok Advancement Center
The summer version of hanbok uniforms feature collars that are almost identical to the git, the collar of the jeogori where the left collar is placed over the right.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
The short-sleeved designs made with lightweight fabric ensure that the uniform is cooling during hot summers.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
The summer skirt and dress designs for females showcase the iconic folds and flowy fit of a chima, the skirt of a female hanbok.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Hanbok activewear designs
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
The hanbok-inspired designs also extend to uniforms for gym classes.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Made with stretchy polyester fabric, these P.E. uniforms were designed with movement and flexibility in mind.
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Image credit: Hanbok Advancement Center
Modern hanbok uniforms to be introduced in more schools later on
While the adoption of hanbok uniforms is currently limited to the 22 selected schools, there are plans to expand the initiative to more schools in the coming years. Seeing how cultural preservation initiatives like this are well-received, culture-rich South Korea is most likely to be riding the “Newtro” trend for a while.
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Cover image adapted from: Hanbok Advancement Center and Hanbok Advancement Center
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