If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to commemorate your trip to Korea… why not get a daily hanbok or modern clothes inspired by traditional Korean designs? There are so many amazing designers, it can be overwhelming. Especially if you’re looking for something in particular. So here are some of my favorite brands and why I like them.
Leesle
Leesle is a brand created by Leesle Hwang, one of my go to hanbok designers. They have everything from pants and skirts to dresses and even t-shirts. Their products are always good quality and they are one of the more body-type and gender inclusive brands here in Korea. They carry sizes S, M and L as well as unisex clothes and clothes for men.
Their daily hanbok were some of the first I ever bought back in 2018 and their styles have only diversified over time. This past winter my husband bought me their 3 Way Soft Hem Skirt with a complimenting Winter Forest Wool Jeogori as a birthday gift and it’s honestly one of the prettiest hanboks I own. It just screams winter magic!
While I love their daily hanbok, I really love seeing all the creative ways they take motifs from traditional hanbok fashion and reinterpret them for the modern world through t-shirts, jackets, hoodies and all kinds of casual wear. I have so many of their comfy sweatshirts and t-shirts! If you’re looking for more of a subtle Korean flair, this is the ways to go.
Leesle has two physical locations, one in Seoul and one in Jeonju, but you can also check out their online shop which also does international shipping!
Leesle Hongdae
- 136-11 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Google Maps)
- 서울 마포구 어울마당로 136-11 (Naver Map)
Lessle Jeonju
- Jeollabuk-do, Jeonju-si, Deokjin-gu, Dongbu-daero, 687 (Google Maps)
- 전북 전주시 덕진구 동부대로 687 (Naver Map)
Hoya
Hoya, created by Mia Yul Hur, specializes in beautiful daily hanbok all handmade with 100% biodegradable silk. They have everything from blazers and crop tops to mini skirts and pants. Their designs are made with colorful hand painted or hand embroidered silks, so no two are alike. Which means you always end up with a one of a kind piece.
They also have a wide variety of norigae, jewelry and other accessories to add more flair to your look. My personal favorites are the norigae butterfly clips. They’re such an easy way to add a bit of Korean flair to a casual look or complete a full on hanbok look.
One of my favorite things about this particular brand is its size inclusivity. It can be bit tricky shopping for clothes in Korea if you don’t fit Korean body standards, but Hoya’s sizes range from XS to 5XL US. They are all about feeling good in what you wear and that starts with body inclusiveness. And I think we’re all here for it. They can also do custom orders if you have something specific in mind.
Hoya has one physical location in Seoul, but you can also check out their online shop or Instagram which also does international shipping!
- 6 Toegye-ro 68-gil, Jung District, Seoul (Google Maps)
- 서울 중구 퇴계로68길 6 (Naver Map)
Minjuhwa
Minjuhwa creates hanbok from the perspective of what hanbok would look like today if people never stopped wearing them. Minju Kim takes the beauty of the traditional and combines it with the comfort of the modern. Her specialty lies in creating hanbok skirts that can be easily styled with modern tops.
What’s unique about this designer is that all her skirts are made to order, so you can have the length and waist size made to your liking. I have ordered mini, mid length and full length skirts and they are all absolutely gorgeous and the quality… chef’s kiss!
She also designs hair accessories like scrunchies, headbands and daenggi. I really love her scrunchies, especially the oversized ones. They’re made with hanbok fabric, so it’s a nice little touch to any everyday outfit. And on occasion she also designs bags. I ordered a reversible tote from her a few years back that has this beautiful traditional patterned black silk on one side and 청금상련 (a famous piece of Korean folk art) on the other. It’s still one of my favorite go-to bags.
Unfortunately the Minjuhwa website is only in Korean. However, the designer is very good about responding to her Instagram DMs, so if you’re unable to use the website and would like to order one of her designs you may be able to arrange something with her directly.
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