Social Role
Especially from the Goryeo Dynasty, the hanbok started to determine differences in social status through the many types and components, and their characteristics - from people with the highest social status (kings), to those of the lowest social status (slaves). Although the modern Hanbok does not express a person’s status or social position, Hanbok was an important element of distinguishment especially in the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties.
Nine Symbols
- Dragon: A dragon’s appearance paralleled how the king governed and subsequently brought balance to the world.
- Fire: The king was expected to be intelligent and wise to govern the people effectively, like a guiding light represented by the fire.
- Pheasant: The image of a pheasant represented magnificence.
- Mountain: As a mountain is high, the king was on a par in terms of status and was deserving of respect and worship.
- Tiger: A tiger represented the king’s courage.
- Monkey: A monkey symbolized wisdom.
- Rice: As the people needed rice to live, the king was compared to this foodstuff as he had the responsibility of protecting their welfare.
- Axe: This indicated that the king had the ability to save and take lives.
- Water plant: Another depiction of the king’s magnificence.
