In Korean culture, significant life events from birth to death were cherished and carefully observed. During the Joseon Dynasty, where etiquette was highly valued, ceremonies such as coming-of-age, marriage, funerals, and ancestral rites were intricately developed. A neat appearance, including appropriate attire and matching shoes for each occasion, was considered essential to proper etiquette. In an era marked by clear social stratification, different types, materials, and decorations of shoes were worn according to one’s social status, with variations depending on gender, purpose, and function.

Traditional Korean footwear is categorized into Wha, which are ankle-high shoes, and Hye, low-cut shoes that reveal the top of the foot. Except for the Mok-wha, worn by upper-class men with their official uniforms, various types of Hye were worn by both men and women of all ages with everyday clothes, based on materials and patterns. The upper class showcased their status through leather or silk shoes, crafted with exceptional skill and elegance. In contrast, ordinary people used readily available materials, such as grass or bark, to make practical straw shoes. For solemn occasions like funerals and ancestral rites, people wore white Hye to reflect sadness and respect. On the other hand, colorful shoes like Taesa-hye and Un-hye, known for their vibrant colors and decorations, were worn for festive events like weddings. Traditional shoes were made from a variety of materials, including leather, grass, fabric, and wood, and were crafted with exquisite skill to suit their respective uses and functions.

This exhibition, drawn from the Coreana Cosmetics Museum’s collection, highlights traditional Korean shoes from both the upper class and common people of the late 19th century. It offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Korean footwear and to deepen your understanding of traditional Korean costume culture.