Most modern Korean weddings include two looks. A Western-style dress and tuxedo for the main ceremony and reception. A traditional Korean hanbok set for the paebaek, the family tea ceremony that follows. Couples who are planning their first wedding sometimes underestimate how much thought the second look needs.
The paebaek ceremony
The paebaek is the moment after the main ceremony where the couple, now in hanbok, bows to their elders and shares small ritual gestures, the chestnut toss, the rice wine, the bow of respect. It is short, often only 20 minutes, but the photos are some of the most-loved of the day.
What the bride wears
The traditional paebaek dress is the wonsam, a long royal-court robe over a layered chima and jeogori. Reds, blues, and greens dominate. Hand embroidery, often gold or silver thread, covers the chest and sleeves. A small headpiece called jokduri finishes the look.
Modern brides often choose a softer version: a colorful chima and embroidered jeogori without the full wonsam overcoat. The look is lighter and easier to wear for photos and the meal that follows.
What the groom wears
The traditional groom wears a danryeongpo, a long blue or purple ceremonial robe with embroidered chest panels showing tigers, cranes, or floral motifs. A black samo hat completes the look.
Modern grooms sometimes choose a simpler durumagi over jeogori and baji, especially if the wedding is smaller or the budget is tighter.
What the parents wear
The bride's parents and the groom's parents often wear hanbok too. Mothers in a chima jeogori set in a muted, dignified palette. Fathers in a charcoal or navy durumagi. The parents' hanbok should not compete with the couple's; muted is the rule.
What wedding party members wear
Maids of honor, best men, and close cousins are sometimes asked to wear hanbok too. This is up to the family. If you are asked, choose a quieter palette: dusty sage, dove grey, or muted pink for women; charcoal or beige durumagi for men. You should read as part of the family, not as a second wedding party.
How to budget
A full traditional ceremonial hanbok set for the bride, with hand embroidery, starts around $1,800 to $3,500 in the studio. Modern bridal hanbok starts lower, around $900 to $1,500. Men's ceremonial sets start around $1,200 to $2,200. Parents' sets start around $800.
Rentals exist and are sometimes the right call for a one-time use. But a commissioned wedding hanbok is the kind of piece many Korean families keep and pass down. Eric's mother still has hers.
Lead times
Wedding hanbok needs 4 to 6 weeks of production in Seoul, plus another week for inspection and shipping. Eric asks customers to plan at least 8 weeks before the wedding. 12 weeks is more comfortable.
See wedding hanbok, or send Eric a message with your wedding date and we will quote a timeline.
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.