When is hanbok traditionally worn in South Korea?

In South Korea, the hanbok was the standard everyday attire for thousands of years. While Western-style clothing has largely replaced it in daily life, the hanbok remains a significant cultural symbol worn during special occasions and life-cycle milestones.1

It is traditionally worn during:

• Major Holidays: It is commonly worn during Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (the harvest moon festival).1
• Family Milestones: It is customary to wear hanbok for significant life events, including a baby’s first 100 days, weddings, and 61st-birthday celebrations.1
• Formal Gatherings: It is frequently worn for important family meetings and funerals.1

There are specific variations of the hanbok designed for these different formal events, reflecting the enduring importance of traditional dress in marking meaningful social and familial transitions.1