Accessories make the outfit, but restraint makes it good
Mrs. Lee lays a full set out on the guest bed the night before a wedding. 저고리, 치마, 속치마 for volume, a pair of 버선 in the drawer, the 노리개 chosen last because it has to answer the color of the 고름. Every piece has a job. Skip one and the silhouette softens in ways only Korean eyes notice.
A working guide to the accessories that finish a hanbok, in Korean and English, with notes on when to wear which and how to choose pieces that hold up next to the garment. 노리개, 가체, 배씨 댕기, 버선, 꽃신. Small things, quietly load-bearing.
Daenggi (댕기)
A long ribbon, traditionally red, braided into the end of an unmarried young woman’s hair. Married women historically pinned the hair instead. Today the daenggi shows up mostly on brides and on young girls for holidays.
Binyeo and tteoljam (비녀, 떨잠)
The binyeo is a long ornamental hairpin used to pin hair into a low bun. The tteoljam is a more elaborate hairpin with hanging beads or pearls. Both appear on married women and on bridal hanbok.
Gache (가체)
The traditional large braided wig worn as part of full court dress. Modern brides almost never wear a true gache; a smaller decorative wig piece or a simple low bun is more common. See the accessories page.
Jokduri and hwagwan (족두리, 화관)
The jokduri is a small black ceremonial cap worn by brides at the paebaek. The hwagwan is a more elaborate gilt and embroidered version worn with a full wonsam. Modern brides often choose the jokduri for simplicity; both are appropriate.
Beoseon (버선)
Traditional white split-toe cotton socks worn with hanbok shoes (kkotsin for women, taesahye for men) at ceremonial occasions. For daily hanbok, modern simple socks or bare feet with flats are common.
For men
Men’s accessories are sparser. A gat (woven horsehair hat) for traditional ceremonial dress, almost never worn now. A samo cap for the groom in a paebaek. Taesahye shoes in soft leather. Men’s hanbok lets the durumagi do the work; the accessories stay minimal.
How to choose
Match the norigae color to the goreum (the front tie), not the chima, for a quieter overall look. Skip headpieces for daily hanbok; add them for ceremonial. If you are unsure, send Eric a photo of the hanbok you are wearing; he will pair the accessory.
Talk to Eric
Looking for hanbok accessories that finish the look? 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 and color. Contact Eric to inquire →