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hanbok

American  
[han-bohk] / ˌhænˈboʊk /

noun

  1. Korean traditional dress, usually consisting of loose, tied garments such as wrapped shirts and robes, long full skirts, and trousers gathered at the ankles.


Etymology

Origin of hanbok

First recorded in 1970–75; from Korean: literally, “Korean clothing,” from Han “Korea” ( cf. Hangul ( def. )) + bok “clothing, clothes” (from Middle Chinese; compare Mandarin fú, Cantonese fuk )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They wore wide grins and matching purple hanbok, the traditional Korean dress.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

They’re often depicted in traditional black hanbok and tall gat hats, which explains the Saja Boys’ costuming later in the movie.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2025

If Min is this desperate to escape his grandmother’s fashion business, why does he sew her an impressive jacket for her hanbok?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2025

Designer Lee Il-soon presented 40 hanbok designs that ranged from traditional royal style to her modern interpretation.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 4, 2022

Her blue hanbok skirt was twisted all around her, showing her white underskirts, and the bright blue of her hanbok jacket sleeve was stained.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh