지난전시 게시판읽기(Undergarments from Joseon Dynasty: The Art of Layers and Overlaps)

Undergarments from Joseon Dynasty: The Art of Layers and Overlaps: 전시장소Chang Budeok Memorial Gallery; 전시기간2018. 09. 19 - 2019. 06. 01

Undergarments are items of clothing that are designed to absorb sweat and maintain body temperature in direct contact with the skin. Due to its distinctive four seasons, the people of Korea developed a habit of wearing multiple layers of clothes since ancient times, which naturally led to the development of underwear culture in Korea, creating a variety of underwear for protection from the summer heat and winter chill.

Under the influence of Confucianism, Joseon Dynasty was a conservative society for women. The evolution of women’s clothes, whose life was largely restricted to the inside of their house, was mostly limited to skirts and jackets with few outer garments. Instead, a variety of women’s undergarments were developed to cover their skin and complete the overall outline of the outfit. After the late Joseon Dynasty, the upper garments became tighter while the skirts grew more voluminous. Women wore a chest band and multiple layers of drawers to puff out the skirt naturally and form a voluminous silhouette.

This exhibition presents a variety of everyday undergarments that were worn in multiple layers in order to complete the trend of the late Joseon, as well as underclothes for ceremonial dresses that were worn on top of everyday undergarments to complete the beautifully flared skirt line. In addition, the wave of modernization and the emergence of reformed undergarments offers insight into the transition of undergarments that continued throughout modern times. Made with various materials and sewing methods in accordance with the seasons, these undergarments show the wisdom of our ancestors in overcoming the climate, and the unique sense of aesthetic comprised of many layers.