God, from a man’s dignity to a global icon

Netflix animation, K-pop Demon Hunters

God, revived as one of the most ‘hip’ icons of the 21st century

'Gat', a traditional Korean hat, was an important symbol of a man's dignity and status during the Joseon Dynasty, as well as the style of the time. However, as the Joseon Dynasty came to an end, the hat seemed destined to become a museum relic.

However, in the 21st century, this unique and beautiful hat has made a splendid revival thanks to the wind of K-content. The beginning of the revival is a Netflix original series'Kingdom'There was this. In this unique zombie thriller set during the Joseon Dynasty, the hats worn by protagonist Lee Chang and other characters captured the attention of viewers around the world. The image of a hat that does not lose its dignity even in dynamic action gave rise to a new word, 'K-hat', and actually led to the phenomenon of hats being sold on Amazon. People were more excited about the beauty of the god than the fear of zombies.

Netflix movie, Kingdom

Recently, this resurgence of animated films'K-Pop: Demon Hunters'It reached its peak through . The idol group 'Lion Boys' in the movie is a character with the motif of the Grim Reaper, and presents a style that reinterprets the traditional hat with a modern sensibility. The sight of them dancing colorful dances while wearing hats showed that hats are no longer a relic of the past, but can become the most 'hip' and cool cultural icon of the present. In this way, the hat is evolving from a traditional hat symbolizing the dignity of a scholar to a symbol of K-style that captures the attention of people around the world.

(Photo source: https://bloggm.tistory.com/397)

So this time, I would like to provide you with more detailed information about Korean hats. The reason Lee Moon-won Clinic became interested in hats was because of their functional aspects. Although it was a hat, it was very useful for men's scalp and hair care because it was well ventilated, the material was cool, and bacteria did not spread well. .

.However, many foreigners have recently become interested in Korean Gat, so I think it would be beneficial to learn about the historical origin, material of Gat, and events related to Gat in addition to its functional aspect, so I would like to introduce it based on historical research. .

The perfection of a man, the mark of adulthood: God

In historical dramas set during the Joseon Dynasty, we often see the elegant black hat, gat, worn by noblemen. The hat was an important symbol that went beyond simply blocking the sunlight, embodying the dignity and status of Joseon scholars and capturing the style of the times.

(Photo source: https://love.seoul.go.kr/articles/7509)

Although the history of Gat is much older, the form we are familiar with was perfected during the Joseon Dynasty. Originally, it had a strong practical purpose like 'paeraengi', but gradually social meaning was added. Joseon menceremonialIt was only after the coming-of-age ceremony that I was able to wear the hat. In other words, wearing a hat was a ritual to be recognized as an adult who fulfilled his responsibilities as the head of a family and a member of society.

Rather than being a symbol of worldly success, the hat symbolizes learning and cultivation.Basic knowledge that every scholar must haveIt was close to. Scholars considered ‘uigwanjeongje (衣冠整齊)’—tidying clothes and hats—as the basis for controlling the body and mind, and the hat was the finishing touch to complete it.

Artwork made from bamboo and horsehair

It took a highly collaborative process that took more than half a year through the hands of several craftsmen to create a good hat. ‘Godil’, a national intangible cultural asset, is a collaborative work between three craftsmen.

• Chong hatjang (摠帽子匠): horsehairWeave the ‘gun hat’, which is the part where the hair goes. It contains practical wisdom on how to keep your head well ventilated to avoid heat build-up.
(Photo source: https://ncms.nculture.org/market/story/3476#none)
• Yang Tae-jang (凉太匠):Split thinner than a human hairBamboo threadWeave a ‘yangtae’, a wide brim. It has the beauty of effectively blocking strong sunlight while still ensuring subtle visibility.
(Photo source: Donga Ilbo https://www.donga.com/news/Culture/article/all/20201223/104604709/1)
• Particle field:The hat and hat are assembled, covered with silk, and lacquered several times to complete the shape of the hat. Through this process, the hat finally acquires a solid shape and deep, elegant black color.

In this way, the hat was not just a hat, but a work of art created by combining natural materials with the sweat and skill of craftsmen.

A mirror that reflects the desires of the times: a lamp that has become a luxury item

In the late Joseon Dynasty, gat lost its original meaning and became used to show off wealth and power.luxurybegan to deteriorate. In particular, the shape of the brim of the hat became wider and wider, as if reflecting the desires of the times. During the reign of King Sunjo, the diameter of the brim reached 70-80cm.giant lampshadeIt is said that this became so popular that it covered one's entire body when sitting down. It is said that fights often broke out between lamps in narrow alleys.

Also, fixing the lampshadeHat stringThey displayed their wealth by wearing expensive jewelry such as jade, amber, coral, and crystal. Just by looking at the material and length of the hat string, one could guess the person's status and wealth.

This excessive luxury and formalism eventually became the subject of reform during the reign of Heungseon Daewongun, who sought to correct social discipline by encouraging practical, narrow-brimmed hats.