In the late 19^th century as Korea began interacting with foreign countries, the hat culture of Korea was fascinating and extraordinary for foreigners who first learned of Korea. In the Korean society, the hat was more than a mere accessory; it was a unique form of culture that reflected the wearer’s rank as well as the values of society. Hats continued to change and develop according to class, occupation, gender, age, season and material throughout the long history of Korea, reaching over 130 varieties in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

During the Joseon Dynasty, Confucianism flourished. As such, high value was placed on decorum and people tried to maintain the body and mind upright and well-kept from head to toe. The hat, in particular, held social significance as an indicator of class and rank in addition to serving the practical purpose of protecting the head. Since it was important to wear a headpiece that matched the clothing, hats were classified by use into daily, going out and ceremonial. In Korean society, the hat ‘completed the look’ and was also directly linked to one’s attitude and spirit in life beyond serving practical and decorative functions. In these days, inheriting the creative spirit of Korean ancestors who created and wore various hats, the hat culture continues to inspire the society across the areas of painting, architecture, fashion and craftwork and also plays a big part in enabling the culture to take new steps forward.

This exhibition displays a wide selection of traditional hats that represent the unique hat culture of Korea as well as modern books and postcards that depict hats deemed special by foreigners who visited Korea in the 19^th century. Also introduce traditional craft skills that kept alive the artisan spirit of Korean ancestors for many generations. Lastly, reinterpretation of the traditional hats of Korea by modern artists will be presented in the form of painting, photography and installation work. We hope this exhibition will help viewers familiarize themselves with Korean culture by developing interest and understanding on the unique hat culture of Korea that has been passed down in the society.

Organized by

Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE)

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea

Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

Metropolitan Museum of Manila

Curated by

Coreana Cosmetics Museum

Cooperated by

Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation 

Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University

National Folk Museum of Korea

Royal Portrait Museum of Korea

Small Enterprise Broadcasting and Information Service

Arumjigi Culture Keepers Foundation,

CUM LIBRO

Artist

Park Chang Young

Park Hyung Park

Park Sung Ho

Park Sang Wung

Yoo Seon Hee

Hong Soun

Lee Kyu Yeol

Roh Il Hoon

Baewha Women's University