▲ Hwang Yi-Seul, the degisner of hanbok for casual wear, is talking about her dream. (photo: naver news, http://naver.me/GymNqgZG)

 Hanbok, our traditional cloth, is known for its beauty and many special features. It started its history as our traditional clothing in 1600 years ago, and changed to the type that we are familiar with in late Joseon Dynasty, to today’s form.

In Joseon Dynasty, the attire of hanbok varied depending on the gender, social status, and seasons. For example, in winter, the common people wore hanbok made of cotton, and the high class wore hanbok made of silk and satin. Of gender, beauty and ornaments such as 비녀(biyeo) and 노리개(norigae) were considered more important for women than men.

They, the Koreans, reflected the naturalness, a desire for supernatural protections and blessings, and five cardinal colors. Traditional hanbok shows the vivid colors based on the basic hues. These are the main colors that represent metal, fire, wood, water, and earth each. Also, patterns were used to enhance the beauty and meaningfulness of hanbok. Patterns of plants, animals were used on hanbok to represent some wishes. For example, peonies embroidered on a bridal gown represented a wish for honor and wealth. Dragons, cranes, and tigers symbolized the royalty and high-ranking officials.

▲ The student reporters of this article are exchanging one another’s ideas of hanbok

 Today, hanbok has become more modernized and simplified. Gender and social status is not a great issue as it was in Joseon Dynasty. What is important is the personal taste. The modernized hanbok's coat string is substituted by button, and the skirt of woman's hanbok is made shorter. Thanks to this, hanbok has become easier and more comfortable to wear. Hanbok is no longer considered as old–fashioned attire. It is become daily fashion item. Hwang Yi-Seul, the leading designer of hanbok for casual wear, says, “Hanbok has an extremely wide spectrum of designs that can surpass any western style. I’m excited to see how my dream of transforming the unique Korean hanbok into daily wear for many people is becoming a reality in Korea.” in her interview. Not only she but also many hanbok designers keep designing hanbok to fulfil her dream of making hanbok a popular fashion item all over the world. As hanbok receives growing international attention, it will become things to be enjoyed by all.