Traditional Clothing of the Goguryeo Kingdom

In antiquity, the Koreans commonly wore baji (pants) and jeogori (jacket), over which they wore a chima (long skirt) and outer robe called jangyu or po. This was a basic outfit worn by all people of the Goguryeo Kingdom, from the King to commoners. Ancient tomb murals dating to the Goguryeo Kingdom show the style that prevailed at the time.

This is a reproduction of women’s clothing depicted in the ancient tomb mural in Susan-ri. The basic jeogori worn by Goguryeo women in the 5th century was long and covered the hips, and the flips of jeogori were tied up with a belt around the waist. The neckband, collar, and hemline of jeogori and edges of sleeves were made of fabric of a different color or pattern from that of the body of jeogori to prevent jeogori from wearing out or becoming soiled, and to accentuate its beauty. Chima(skirt) was long enough to touch the ground, and was straight pleated and flared out towards the hem.