The chima jeogori is the main event, but a Korean traditional outfit usually involves several small pieces that finish the look. Some are practical, some are decorative, some are both. Knowing them helps a hanbok feel intentional.
Norigae
The norigae is a decorative tassel that hangs from the goreum (the front tie of the jeogori) or from the waist of the chima. It is one of the most recognizable hanbok accessories, often the only one that makes it into modern daily hanbok styling.
Norigae traditionally had three parts: a small pendant or knot, a long silk tassel, and a knotted braid connecting them. The pendants varied with the wearer's age and status, jade for older women, silver for unmarried young women, sometimes embroidered silk for younger girls.
Modern norigae lean simpler. A single tassel in a complementary or contrasting color. Eric usually pairs the norigae color to the goreum, not the chima, for a quieter overall look.
Daenggi
The daenggi is a long ribbon, traditionally red, that an unmarried young woman braided into the end of her hair. Married women pinned their hair up instead. Today the daenggi is mostly seen on brides and on young girls for holidays.
Binyeo and tteoljam
The binyeo is a long ornamental hairpin. The tteoljam is a more elaborate hairpin with hanging beads or pearls. Married women historically used the binyeo to pin their hair into a low bun at the back. The tteoljam appears on bridal hanbok and ceremonial dress.
Gache
The gache is a large braided wig that traditional brides wore as part of full court dress. They were elaborate and heavy; some Joseon-era queens were said to have suffered neck injury from wearing them. Modern brides almost never wear a true gache. A smaller decorative wig piece or a simple low bun is much more common today.
Jokduri and hwagwan
The jokduri is a small black ceremonial cap worn by brides in the paebaek. The hwagwan is a more elaborate version, embroidered with floral motifs and worn with a full wonsam. Modern brides often choose the jokduri for simplicity.
Beoseon
Beoseon are traditional white split-toe cotton socks. They are worn with hanbok shoes (kkotsin for women, taesahye for men) for ceremonial occasions. For daily hanbok, regular socks or bare feet with simple flats are both common.
For men
Men's accessories are sparser. A gat (woven horsehair hat) for very traditional ceremonial dress, almost never worn now. A simple samo cap for the groom in a paebaek. Taesahye shoes in soft leather. The accessories on a men's hanbok are intentionally minimal; the durumagi does the work.
How much is too much
Modern hanbok styling favors restraint. A norigae and a small hairpin is plenty for daily wear. Add a jokduri only if the occasion calls for it. The garment should still speak first.
See the collection for what is currently in the studio.
Talk to Eric
Looking for authentic hanbok for your occasion? Eric at The Korean In Me works personally with each customer, sources every piece from Seoul, and inspects it in San Mateo before it ships. Send Eric a message or text (707) 718-3579.