Introduction

Korea has a long and diverse history of clothing culture shaped by its environment, philosophical traditions, and social systems. In recent years, global interest in Korean culture—fuelled by media, entertainment, and art— has expanded awareness of both traditional and modern Korean fashion. As a result, traditional dress is increasingly seen not only as heritage, but also as a source of creative inspiration.

Historical Context

Traditional clothing developed under strong Confucian influence, placing emphasis on modesty, natural materials, and symbolic colors. The hanbok, Korea's most recognized traditional garment, features a curved silhouette and layered construction. It is currently being worn in various ways and forms across generations. The modernization and industrialization of the 20th century led to significant shifts in clothing practices.

Korea-China Cultural Exchange

The historical and cultural exchange between Korea and China has played a significant role in shaping various aspects of Korean cultural heritage, particularly in clothing, craft, and symbolic traditions. Ceremonial dress codes and color symbolism also reflect shared cultural systems. For instance, red and yellow—commonly associated with auspiciousness and imperial power in Chinese tradition—also appear in Korean royal and wedding attire, often reinterpreted through local belief systems. Over time, these shared East Asian cultural foundations have contributed to the development of a uniquely Korean identity—one that respects its connections while asserting its own creative voice.

Featured Collection with Silk Road Elements

The design fuses Korean and Chinese traditions by integrating Chinese heritage in its visuals and symbolism, reflecting a shared celebratory spirit.

In Design 2, white, symbolizing Korea, and red, symbolizing not only Korea but also China, were used as point colors to embody the meaning of luck and harmony between the two countries. This common symbolism creates a fundamental bridge for cultural connection. This garment is based on the form of Korean traditional clothing, 'Hanbok', and visualizes the image of the carp, widely known in Chinese traditional element as a symbol of prosperity and perseverance. Additionally, each country's cultural and historical heritage is considered to be its language and characters, as a nation's language and characters encapsulate and reveal many meanings, such as history and evolving identity over time. The Chinese characters themselves were used as a decorative element and heritage

Design Philosophy

The design concept is rooted in the Korean notion of Heung (興), a deeply emotional and communal energy historically expressed through traditional music, and performance. This spirited force transcends individual joy and instead represents a shared transformation of hardship (Han,恨) into celebration.

Both designs emphasize fluid motion, transparency, and rhythmic embellishment to evoke a sense of living energy. The craftsmanship lies in the reinterpretation of symbolic forms using lightweight materials, layered textures, and emotionally resonant motifs. Philosophically, the work emphasizes unity through shared celebration, showing how fashion can visually articulate collective memory and cross-cultural vitality.