Hanbok, or Korean traditional clothing, has become increasingly popular among foreigners. This past spring, an enthusiastic crowd dressed in Hanbok took part in a Hanbok March through downtown Seoul, catching the attention of passersby at Cheonggyecheon Stream and Yeouido. The event was organized by Ma-Ik-Heul, who adopted a Korean name with the same phonetic sound as his English name, Michael.
“What’s great about Hanbok is that it is distinctly Korean,” said Ma. “They do not look like any other type of clothing from anywhere else in the world.” When asked about his motivation for arranging the parade, Ma explained that “the colors are so bright and vivid, and it is even more amazing to see a group of people wearing them together.”
The beauty of Hanbok has been recognized outside of Korea as well, even among several Hollywood stars. During her 2003 visit to Korea, Britney Spears made a public appearance dressed in a pink Hanbok complete with a jokduri headpiece. It was reported at the time that she had made a last-minute decision to wear a Hanbok instead of her prearranged outfit.
Nicky Hilton, during a trip to Korea in 2005, showed off her Hanbok look with a white jeogori top and black chima, or skirt, with a white ribbon tied around her waist. In an interview, she said she had looked for an opportunity to try on Hanbok because she had seen her sister Paris Hilton wearing it previously. “I feel comfortable in the dress, and it is beautiful,” she remarked.
Korean-Canadian actress Sandra Oh, who gained popularity for her role in the hit drama Grey’s Anatomy, brought new attention to Hanbok when she arrived at the 2008 Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony wearing a Hanbok-inspired dress. Of special interest to fans and red carpet commentators was the wide ribbon tied elegantly in front of Oh’s chest in the form of an otkorum, or traditional bow. Other celebrities who have modeled Hanbok include actor Nicolas Cage, who dressed up in a Hanbok with wife Alice Kim for their 2004 wedding, and actress Jessica Alba, who wore a modern Hanbok design for an interview during her April 2012 visit to Korea.