What Is The History Behind Korean School Uniforms?
The idea of Korean School Uniforms before the 1900s came from the Hanbok, which was a standard sort of clothing worn during the Joseon Dynasty.
However, during the first 1900s, School uniforms became more westernized. The shirts are short and therefore the boy's uniforms became more just like the worker's uniform.
The uniforms now are almost like those found in Western cultures; however, schools have grasped a more individualized approach, making their unique uniforms stand out.
School Uniforms are also called “Gyobok” in South Korea; middle school and high school uniforms are called “Norm”.
In 1907, the first 'Yangjang' uniform was built within the Sookmyung Women's University. The School uniform involves purple serge one-piece clothing with a pink bonnet and heels. The uniform had a powerful impact on Korean culture.
You will see Korean School Uniforms on kids from elementary to high school. The high school uniforms, also middle and elementary uniforms, vary by region, school, and sophistication level, and other people within the community recognize which school a student attends by the uniform she or he wears.
It's very simple to differentiate teenagers in Korea, as they're always spotted wearing their school uniform.
In this article, we will dig into the history of school uniforms in Korea from the hanbok to modern reworkings;
In Korea, each school has summer and winter uniforms for boys and girls, summer uniforms tend to be navy while winter uniforms are in grey color, they also include a blazer, fleece jacket or sweater.
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From Which Standard Korean Student's Start Wearing School Uniforms?
Almost all Korean students start wearing a School Uniform from Junior. Most elementary schools, but some private students, don't have uniforms; hence, the uniform is strictly monitored from the beginning of secondary school and up.
Based on Western-style ones, the Korean uniforms usually consist of a shirt, blazer, and tie, with skirts (which are replaceable with trousers within the majority of colleges nowadays, skirts have recently sparked debate for its shortening trend over the years) for women and long pants for boys.
More lately, the uniform is normally worn by celebrities who target the younger, teen audience to sell entertainment products. The school uniform and school setting are usually used as a venue for love.
As a result, the uniform has become something like an expression of fashion among students.
What Are The Types Of Korean School Uniforms Worn In Different Months?
School uniforms are worn in several types depending on seasons or weather. Some schools decide when to use one type, but lately, many faculties let their students’ voluntary choice respect them. School uniforms are split into three types: for winter, for spring and autumn, and for summer.
- Winter School Uniforms
- Summer School Uniforms
- Spring and Autumn School Uniforms
Winter School Uniforms
Winter uniforms are mostly worn from November to late March. It depends on the weather or climate in that year or season. During winter students wear long-sleeved uniforms, jackets and it is made of thick fabric.
Summer School Uniforms
Summer uniforms are mostly worn from May to late September. It also depends on the weather in the year. During summer students wear short sleeves, and skirts are made up of thin fabric. In summer you can see many students in different dress codes as well.
Spring and Autumn School Uniforms
Spring and Autumn are mostly worn from late March or April to May and also from September to November. During spring and autumn, students wear a vest without a jacket. Usually, female students choose to wear skirts and male students wear pants, hence, female students can also choose to wear pants instead of skirts.
Where To Buy Korean School Uniforms?
Korean school uniforms are mostly found in convenient stores and most Koreans even stitch the uniforms and wear them, however in today’s generation students order them online.
Uniform prices vary but they most certainly cost more than their American equivalents. Cheap uniforms will cost around 250 000₩ while other uniforms might cost up to 500 00₩.
Many junior high school students take care of their uniforms and use them till they reach high school.
Which Star's Wore Korean School Uniform In Korean Drama?
There are many K-dramas where you will see your favorite actors and actresses wearing school uniforms in dramas, K-drama fans of all ages never seem to lose interest during a good high school romance.
The adorable high school romance sometimes makes us remember the great times of school days. Stars have somehow an aura different from idols but this does not mean that the uniform does not suit them. Many Korean dramas use school as their setting.
Let's see some K-dramas stars wearing School Uniforms:
- Park Seo-Joon and Kim Da-Mi
- Kim So-Hyun, Song Kang and Jung Ga-Rams
- Moon Ga-Young and Cha Eun-Woo
- Lee Sung-Kyung, Nam Joo-Hyuk and Kim Bok-Joo
Park Seo-Joon and Kim Da-Mi
We all have seen the “Itaewon Class” drama. It is one of our favorite Korean dramas and stars none other than Park Seo-Joon and Da-Mi. You will see Seo-Joon and Kim Da-Mi in School Uniform in this drama playing a beautiful role. We can never forget Da-Mi wearing an oversized blazer and Park Seo-Joon with his bad boy look in School Uniform.
Kim So-Hyun, Song Kang, and Jung Ga-Rams
Song Kang, Kim So Hyun, and Jung Ga-Rams are rising stars with their role in “Love Alarm”. They made us swoon with their preppy, uniformed looks and trendy casual wear, they also wore a pair of jeans and oversized cardigan in this drama.
Moon Ga-Young and Cha Eun-Woo
Who doesn’t know True Beauty K-drama, the newest Korean drama that was adapted from a webtoon, a bit like most Korean dramas. However, True beauty has been garnering plenty of buzzes online, not only for its storyline but also for its good-looking actor and actress. Korean Drama “True Beauty” is about high school, so plenty of their outfits are quite simple and straight to recreate at the comfort of our home.
Lee Sung-Kyung, Nam Joo-Hyuk, and Kim Bok-Joo
Can you believe it has been almost three years since “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo premiered”? it made us think of those good old-fashioned days with our own swag, crew, and our passionate dreams. To give us a sportier look in this drama you will see Lee Sung-Kyung, Nam Joo-Hyuk, and Kim Bok-Joo in sweaters, sweat-pants, crew neck, and varsity jackets.
Which K-Pop Idols/Groups Wore Korean School Uniforms?
While some students absolutely hate wearing a School uniform, If you’re a real K-Pop fan, you already know idols have worn School Uniforms on stage as stage outfits and also in many of their TV shows like Run episodes interviews, etc.
It has brought energetic responses from fans/army whenever they wear and some idols wear their own School uniforms. Let us have a look at our top K-pop idols in School Uniforms.
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Jungkook
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Yook Sungjae
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BTS Group
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Mamamoo Group
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Twice Group
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Red Velvet Group
Have you ever tried any Korean School Uniforms? If not, which one would you want to? Leave your comments!
Author - Sharon
