Understanding Hanbok: The Difference Between Durumagi and Dapo

Understanding Hanbok: The Difference Between Durumagi and Dabho

Hello. This is Lisle.

Today, we're going to talk about Hanbok.

Hanbok, Korea's traditional clothing, is attracting a lot of attention, but do you actually know the difference between durumagi and dabho when wearing Hanbok?

This time, let's take a closer look at durumagi and dabho.

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Characteristics and Origin of Durumagi

Durumagi is a Hanbok top, mainly worn by the upper class. It's like a shirt, with a string to tie around the neck. This string usually has metal ornaments, giving it a luxurious feel and completing the durumagi's design.

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The origin of durumagi dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. At that time, the royal family and nobles mainly wore durumagi, while commoners wore simpler tops. Over time, durumagi developed into various designs and materials.

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Characteristics and Origin of Dabho

It's a unisex outer garment, a short-sleeved po (coat) with short sleeves added and side slits. Dabho generally has short or no sleeves, so it's worn with other Hanbok to show the sleeves, which is considered stylish.

The origin of dabho can be found from the Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty. From the late Goryeo to the late Joseon Dynasty, it was worn under the mourning clothes of kings and officials, or over the outer garments of the scholar-officials.

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Comparison of Durumagi and Dabho: Design Aspects

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Comparing durumagi and dabho, each has its own unique design and characteristics. We will explain it in an easy-to-understand way.

In common, both are a type of po (coat), and they refer to long clothes that extend the length of the jeogori (jacket) to cover the knees.

To put it simply, both durumagi and dabho share the common feature of being long.

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Then, what are the differences? Durumagi and dabho differ in sleeve shape and slits.

Durumagi has long sleeves. On the other hand, dabho has short sleeves added or no sleeves.

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Also, durumagi is closed on the sides and has no slits, while dabho has the characteristic of being open on both sides.

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<b><Commonalities></b> Both durumagi and dabho are knee-length.

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<b><Difference 1 - Sleeves></b> Durumagi: Has long sleeves. Dabho: Has short sleeves added or no sleeves.

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<b><Difference 2 - Slits></b> Durumagi: Sides are closed. No slits. Dabho: Sides are open. Has slits.

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Correcting Misconceptions about Durumagi and Dabho

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There are some misconceptions about durumagi and dabho.

The most common misconception is that all long Hanbok outer garments are durumagi, but as explained today, dabho is also long.

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Knee-length doesn't automatically mean it's a durumagi!

The second most common misconception is that durumagi and dabho are outdated clothing.

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However, many people still wear durumagi and dabho today, and Lisle continues to develop new styles by reinterpreting dabho as a "Korean robe".

Also, durumagi and dabho are not limited to a specific gender. In the past, they were known to be worn mainly by men, but nowadays, women also frequently choose and wear durumagi and dabho.

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So, we've learned about durumagi and dabho! These two garments, often used in saenghal hanbok (everyday hanbok) and gaeryang hanbok (modified hanbok), connect our tradition and beauty.

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Isn't it our responsibility to continue to spread and develop our beautiful culture through Hanbok? Try wearing Hanbok and feel its beauty.

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The Goryeo celadon dabho series is available for pre-order exclusively on the Lisle homepage from February 13th (Tue) to February 27th (Fri).

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