After centuries of relative isolation, Korea opened its borders to international trade and diplomacy in 1876, but for years the country remained little known outside of Asia. Korea’s participation in the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 changed that. Visitors to the Korean pavilion were dazzled by the colorful displays of traditional clothing (hanbok), such as embroidered silk jackets and robes made for the Joseon royal court.
South Korea’s emergence as a pop culture powerhouse and one of the most fashion-forward nations in the world is revealed in a new exhibit Korean Fashion: From Royal Court to Runway, on view August 20 through December 22, 2022, at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum in Washington, D.C. Visitors can see some of the same garments that were showcased in Chicago in 1893, as well as other rare examples of ceremonial and everyday clothing from Korea’s last royal dynasty.
Korean Fashion: From Royal Court to Runway runs at the George Washington University Museum and the Textile Museum (701 21st St. NW, Washington, DC) through December 22, 2022.
[Image above Bridal robe, Korea, 19th century. © The Field Museum, Image No. A113982c, Cat. No. 33159. Gift of J. F. G. Umlauff, H. Higenbotham. Photo by John Weinstein.]
The Corea (Korea) Exhibit in the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building. [Image from Bancroft, Hubert Howe The Book of the Fair. The Bancroft Company, 1893.]