A hanbok, cared for properly, outlives the occasion it was made for. Eric's mother still has the wedding hanbok she wore in 1979. The trick is knowing what each fabric wants.
Silk hanbok
Silk ceremonial hanbok, the wedding, dol, and Chuseok kind, should be dry cleaned only. Spot cleaning with water leaves rings on silk that are nearly impossible to remove. If you spill something, blot, do not rub, and bring it to a dry cleaner that handles silk garments. Tell them it is hanbok; many Korean dry cleaners know how to handle the panels.
Between wearings, store silk hanbok flat, folded with acid-free tissue paper between layers to prevent dye transfer. Avoid plastic bags; silk needs to breathe. A cotton garment bag in a closet that does not get direct sunlight is ideal.
Linen and cotton hanbok
Modern daily hanbok in linen, cotton, or modal blends is washable. Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent (Eric uses unscented baby detergent), or machine wash on the most delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Lay flat to dry, never tumble dry, the heat shrinks and warps the panels.
Iron on low while damp if you want a crisper jeogori. Skip the iron if you prefer the soft, lived-in look that modern hanbok rewards.
The chima skirt
The full chima is the trickiest part of any hanbok to store. It is essentially a wide tube of fabric attached to a sash. Folded incorrectly, the chima creases along lines that are visible the next time you wear it.
The traditional method is to fold the chima into thirds lengthwise, then roll it from the hem upward. The roll prevents sharp creases. If you have shelf space, hang it from the waist sash on a wide, padded hanger instead.
The jeogori jacket
Fold the jeogori with the sleeves crossed in front, then fold in thirds along the long axis. Keep the goreum (front tie) loose, not tied; the knot leaves a crease if pressed flat for long.
Embroidery and beadwork
If your hanbok has hand embroidery, beadwork, or gold thread, treat the embroidered area like glass. Never iron directly on it; iron the back of the panel through a pressing cloth. Store the piece flat, not folded across the embroidery.
Once a year
Take your hanbok out once a year and air it for a few hours. This prevents the fold lines from setting permanently and lets any humidity dissipate. Refold along different lines if possible.
If something goes wrong
If a seam splits, a button pops, or a panel tears, Eric can usually arrange a repair through the Seoul atelier that made the piece. Hanbok seam construction is forgiving; most damage is fixable. Send him a photo.
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.