Why hanbok care matters
A well-cared-for hanbok lasts decades. A poorly-cared-for hanbok lasts one wedding. The difference is not the price of the garment; it is the routine that follows the day.
Most hanbok damage happens in three places: improper washing, careless storage, and accumulated wear on the goreum and chima edges. All three are preventable.
Silk hanbok
Silk hanbok should be dry-cleaned, not washed at home. Find a dry cleaner with experience handling silk; ask before you bring the piece in. If the dry cleaner has never cleaned a hanbok, find another one or ask Mrs. Lee for a recommendation in the Bay Area.
After dry-cleaning, store the hanbok flat in acid-free tissue, not on a hanger. Silk is heavy enough that hanger storage stretches the shoulders over time.
Spot cleaning between dry-cleanings is acceptable for small marks. Use a clean white cloth dampened with cool water, blot gently, never rub. If the mark does not lift, leave it for the dry cleaner.
Linen and cotton hanbok
Modern linen and cotton hanbok are washable. Hand-wash in cool water with mild detergent, or use the gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Avoid bleach. Avoid fabric softener (it coats fibers and reduces drape over time).
Air-dry flat. Linen wrinkles, that is the trade-off. Iron on low heat from the inside if you want a crisp finish. Cotton tolerates higher heat but check the care label first.
Polyester and synthetic blends
Synthetic-blend hanbok can usually go in a regular wash on the gentle cycle, cool water. They do not shrink and they do not need ironing. They also do not breathe as well as natural fibers; if you have a choice between a cotton-linen hanbok and a polyester-blend version, the natural fiber is worth the slightly higher care effort.
Storing hanbok between wearings
Acid-free tissue paper, folded flat, in a breathable storage box. Not in plastic. Not on a hanger long-term. Not in a humid closet.
If you have a piece you wear seasonally, refold it in the off-season to prevent permanent crease lines. A few minutes of attention twice a year extends the life of the piece significantly.
Goreum and chima edges
The goreum (front tie) and the chima hem are the two places that wear first. The goreum sees friction every time you put the piece on and take it off. The chima hem touches the floor when you walk in low heels or with a longer skirt.
For the goreum: tie it loosely the first few wearings to break in the silk. Avoid pulling tight against a button or pin. If you start to see fraying at the tie point, ask the atelier about reinforcement.
For the chima: hem-protect with a satin ribbon stitched along the inside edge if the piece is going to see heavy floor contact (long walks, outdoor events). Most ateliers can add this on request.
Hanging norigae and accessories
Store norigae flat, not hanging. Pearl elements can scratch each other if pieces touch in storage. Wrap each norigae in soft tissue or store in individual fabric pouches.
Brooches and hairpins should be stored in jewelry boxes with felt lining, not in fabric pouches with the hanbok itself; the metal pin-backs can snag silk.
Travel with hanbok
Pack hanbok flat in a garment bag or a hard-sided suitcase, not folded into a carry-on. Modern cotton blends can survive folding; silk should not be folded sharply.
On arrival, hang the piece in a steamy bathroom for ten minutes to release travel wrinkles. Avoid direct iron contact with silk; use a press cloth if you must iron.
When to bring a piece back
If a piece develops a tear, a loose seam, or fading at a specific point, send Eric a photo. Most repairs are straightforward and can be coordinated through our Seoul atelier partner. Repairing a well-made hanbok is almost always cheaper than replacing it.
Talk to Eric
Looking for hanbok care guidance? Eric at The Korean In Me sources authentic hanbok personally from Seoul, inspects every piece in San Mateo, and works with each customer on sizing, color, and occasion. Contact Eric to inquire →