Korean Dictionary
How to say "Traditional Korean clothing" in Korean
“Traditional Korean clothing” in Korean is 한복 (pronounced "Hanbok").
한복
Hanbok
Usage & Context
Korea's traditional clothing, characterized by vibrant colors and graceful lines. Tourists can rent hanbok near historic sites. Many Koreans still wear hanbok during major holidays like Seollal (설날) and Chuseok (추석). It's a source of cultural pride and increasingly modernized in fashion.
Example Sentence
한복 입고 경복궁에서 사진 찍으면 너무 예뻐요.
Taking photos at Gyeongbokgung while wearing hanbok looks so beautiful.
How to use 한복 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Traditional Korean clothing” is 한복, romanized as Hanbok.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 한복.
Pronunciation Guide
한 (han) sounds like 'hahn' as in 'Han Solo'. 복 (bok) is pronounced like 'boke' with a slightly more open 'o' sound, similar to 'book' but with a softer 'k'. The stress is on the first syllable, 'han'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a traditional family custom during a major holiday.
설날에는 가족들이 다 같이 한복을 입어요.
On Seollal, all family members wear hanbok together.
Sharing a popular tourist activity and experience.
경복궁 근처에서 한복 대여해서 입어봤어요.
I rented and wore hanbok near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Discussing contemporary fashion trends related to traditional clothing.
요즘은 개량 한복도 많이 입는대요.
They say modernized hanbok is also worn a lot these days.
Cultural Context
Hanbok is more than just clothing; it's a vibrant symbol of Korean heritage. While traditionally worn for special occasions like weddings, Seollal (Lunar New Year), and Chuseok (Harvest Festival), it has seen a resurgence in popularity among younger generations and tourists. Renting hanbok to visit palaces like Gyeongbokgung or Bukchon Hanok Village is a popular activity, offering unique photo opportunities and a deeper connection to Korean history. Modernized versions, called '개량 한복' (gaeryang hanbok), are also gaining traction as everyday wear.
Editorial note
We review entries like 한복 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
한복 입다
To wear hanbok
한복 대여
Hanbok rental
개량 한복
Modernized hanbok
Related Expressions
전통 의상
jeontong uisang
Traditional attire
두루마기
durumagi
Traditional Korean overcoat
치마저고리
chimajeogori
Traditional Korean skirt and jacket (women's hanbok components)
명절
myeongjeol
Traditional holiday
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