Cheolik (Military Robe with Pleated Skirt)

Cheolik is one piece of garment that connects an upper garment and a pleated skirt. Until yungbok (a type of military uniforms) was abolished in 1883 (20th reign year of King Gojong) during the late Joseon period, kings and officials wore cheolik while hunting, during the wars, and when visiting other states as an envoy. Cheolik was commonly called yungbok 戎服 or gunbok 軍服 because it was mainly used for military purposes. During war times, cheolik served as officials' uniform. Later, cheolik gradually became a ceremonial robe, such as ordinary clothes for military officials and uniforms for civil and military officials when they accompany the royal procession outside the capital. Regarding the sleeves, the cuffs became wider twice the size of armholes by the end of the Joseon period. One of the sleeves is connected to the body of cheolik using knotted buttons so that the wearer may remove the sleeve to shoot arrows with ease. The robe in the picture is single-layered and made of blue fabric with cloud-treasure pattern.
*Designated as National Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 121