Accessories make the outfit, but restraint makes it good
A chima jeogori is the main event. Accessories are the punctuation. Modern hanbok styling rewards restraint: one or two accessories, chosen thoughtfully, do more than five competing pieces ever can. See the accessories page for current stock.
Norigae (노리개)
The most recognizable hanbok accessory. A decorative tassel that hangs from the goreum (front tie of the jeogori) or from the chima waist.
Traditional norigae has three parts: a small pendant or knot, a long silk tassel, and a knotted braid connecting them. Pendants vary by status and age, jade for older women, silver for unmarried young women, embroidered silk for girls. Modern norigae are simpler, often a single tassel in a complementary color.
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 →