In this story
A tray of hanbok accessories might hold five 노리개, a pair of jokduri, a small enamel binyeo, and one 가체 wig braided decades ago for a paebaek in Seoul. A bride visiting for a fitting picked up the binyeo first, weighing it in her palm, surprised by how solid a hairpin can be. These are the pieces that finish a hanbok, and they are almost always the ones a Korean-American bride knows the least about.
Hanbok accessories are their own vocabulary. Norigae at the waist, binyeo through a chignon, jokduri or hwagwan on the crown for a wedding, a gache for a full Joseon-court look. Each piece has a role, an occasion, and a way of being worn correctly. This entry walks through the accessories families ask about most often, what each one is for, and how to choose them for a paebaek, a dol, or a first Chuseok.
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 current pieces.
Talk to Eric
Looking for authentic hanbok for your occasion? Eric at The Korean In Me works with each customer, selects pieces in Seoul through authorized Korean suppliers and makers, and inspects each piece in San Mateo. Send Eric a message or call or text Eric.