Beoseon
Encyclopedia
The beoseon is a type of paired sock
s worn with hanbok
, Korea
n traditional clothing and is made of fabrics for protection, warmth, and style of ones foot. It is also called jokui (족의), jokgeon (족건) or mal (말) in hanja
. According to a book titled Hunmong jahoe (훈몽자회) written by Choe Sejin (최세진) in 1527 during the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty
(1392 - 1910), beoseon was called "bosyeonmal" (보션말), so it may be called by the name before the time.
It is not clear when beoseon first began to be worn, but ancient beoseon is assumed to be a form extended from a trouser or bojagi
(wrapping clothes) for protecting the foot. During the period of the Three Kingdoms of Korea
(57 BC – 668 AD), beonseon made of silk was worn but it was limited by social class. In the Joseon
period, beoseon made of a white fabric was usually worn regardless of class except special occasions.
According to sewing technique, beoseon is divided into som beoseon, gyeop beoseon, hot beoseon, nubi beoseon, and tarae beoseon. Som beoseon (솜버선) is composed of the outer fabric and cotton (som in Korean) as a batting
to give foot warmth and style. Gyeop beoseon (겹버선) is made with two layers (gyeop) of a fabric without stuffing the inside. Hot beoseon (홑버선) is made with one layer (hot) and worn as an inner sock to prevent the outer beoseon from getting dirty. Nubi beoseon (누비버선) is made by quilting (nubi) and usually worn for protection against the cold during winter. The beoseon is considered practical because of the easiness to handle after cleaning although the running stitches can be broken or it is stiff than other beoseon. Tarae beoseon (타래버선) is decorative socks for children. After quilted, tarae beosoen is embrodered with strings in various colors, and a string is attached to each portion of ankle to bind them at the front.
Although the shape of beoseon does not reflect gender, beoseon for men have a straighter seam than that of women.
Sock
A sock is an item of clothing worn on the feet. The foot is among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, as it is able to produce over of perspiration per day. Socks help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration. In cold environments, socks decrease...
s worn with hanbok
Hanbok
Hanbok or Chosŏn-ot is the traditional Korean dress. It is often characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. Although the term literally means "Korean clothing", hanbok today often refers specifically to hanbok of Joseon Dynasty and is worn as semi-formal or formal wear...
, Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n traditional clothing and is made of fabrics for protection, warmth, and style of ones foot. It is also called jokui (족의), jokgeon (족건) or mal (말) in hanja
Hanja
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters hanzi. More specifically, it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation...
. According to a book titled Hunmong jahoe (훈몽자회) written by Choe Sejin (최세진) in 1527 during the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
(1392 - 1910), beoseon was called "bosyeonmal" (보션말), so it may be called by the name before the time.
It is not clear when beoseon first began to be worn, but ancient beoseon is assumed to be a form extended from a trouser or bojagi
Bojagi
Bojagi or bo for short is a traditional Korean wrapping cloth. Bojagi are square and can be made from a variety of materials, though silk is common...
(wrapping clothes) for protecting the foot. During the period of the Three Kingdoms of Korea
Three Kingdoms of Korea
The Three Kingdoms of Korea refer to the ancient Korean kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, which dominated the Korean peninsula and parts of Manchuria for much of the 1st millennium...
(57 BC – 668 AD), beonseon made of silk was worn but it was limited by social class. In the Joseon
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
period, beoseon made of a white fabric was usually worn regardless of class except special occasions.
Types
The types of beoseon can be varied by purpose, shape, and sewing technique. Goteun beoseon (곧은버선) or also called godeulmok beoseon (고들목버선) and nuin beoseon (누인버선) are defined by shape.According to sewing technique, beoseon is divided into som beoseon, gyeop beoseon, hot beoseon, nubi beoseon, and tarae beoseon. Som beoseon (솜버선) is composed of the outer fabric and cotton (som in Korean) as a batting
Batting (material)
Batting is a layer of insulation used in quilting between a top layer of patchwork and a bottom layer of backing material. Batting is usually made of cotton, polyester, and/or wool....
to give foot warmth and style. Gyeop beoseon (겹버선) is made with two layers (gyeop) of a fabric without stuffing the inside. Hot beoseon (홑버선) is made with one layer (hot) and worn as an inner sock to prevent the outer beoseon from getting dirty. Nubi beoseon (누비버선) is made by quilting (nubi) and usually worn for protection against the cold during winter. The beoseon is considered practical because of the easiness to handle after cleaning although the running stitches can be broken or it is stiff than other beoseon. Tarae beoseon (타래버선) is decorative socks for children. After quilted, tarae beosoen is embrodered with strings in various colors, and a string is attached to each portion of ankle to bind them at the front.
Although the shape of beoseon does not reflect gender, beoseon for men have a straighter seam than that of women.