Korean Dictionary
How to say "Traditional dress" in Korean
“Traditional dress” in Korean is 전통의상 (pronounced "jeontong-uisang").
전통의상
jeontong-uisang
Usage & Context
Clothing that represents Korean cultural heritage and traditions. Worn for cultural celebrations and events.
Example Sentence
전통의상은 아름다워요.
Traditional dress is beautiful.
How to use 전통의상 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Traditional dress” is 전통의상, romanized as jeontong-uisang.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
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 전통의상.
Pronunciation Guide
전 (jeon) sounds like 'jun' in 'jungle'. 통 (tong) is like 'tong' in 'tongue'. 의 (ui) is a tricky vowel, often like 'wee' in 'week' but with a tighter mouth. 상 (sang) is like 'sang' in 'sang a song'. Say it as 'jeon-tong-wee-sang'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a holiday tradition.
설날에는 많은 사람들이 전통의상을 입고 세배를 해요.
On Lunar New Year, many people wear traditional dress and bow to elders.
Sharing cultural heritage with a friend.
외국인 친구에게 한국의 아름다운 전통의상을 소개해주고 싶어요.
I want to introduce Korea's beautiful traditional dress to my foreign friend.
Observing a popular tourist activity at historical sites.
궁궐에서 전통의상을 대여해서 입고 사진을 찍는 관광객들이 많아요.
There are many tourists who rent and wear traditional dress at palaces to take photos.
Cultural Context
While '전통의상' is a general term for traditional dress, in Korea, it almost exclusively refers to Hanbok (한복). Hanbok is worn on significant occasions like Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Harvest Festival), weddings, and doljanchi (first birthday celebrations). Renting Hanbok at historical palaces like Gyeongbokgung is a popular activity for both locals and tourists, offering a unique cultural experience and photo opportunities. Modernized Hanbok designs are also gaining popularity, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary fashion.
Editorial note
We review entries like 전통의상 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
전통의상을 입다
to wear traditional dress
아름다운 전통의상
beautiful traditional dress
전통의상 체험
traditional dress experience
Related Expressions
한복
hanbok
Korean traditional dress (specific term)
개량 한복
gaeryang hanbok
modernized Hanbok
궁중 의상
gungjung uisang
royal court attire
예복
yebok
ceremonial dress
More Clothing Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Traditional dress and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
