The story behind dog hanbok, how to choose one, and how to wear it well in Singapore.
Hanbok — the traditional Korean garment with a structured jeogori (jacket) and flowing chima (skirt) — is one of the most distinctive silhouettes in East Asian dress. In the last few years, miniature hanbok designed for small dogs has become a quiet but committed corner of Korean pet fashion. By Lunar New Year, Korean dog Instagram is essentially all hanbok content, and Singapore Korean-pet-owning circles have caught on. Here's what to know if you're considering one.
What hanbok actually is
Hanbok is the umbrella term for Korean traditional dress worn since the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897). The basic women's hanbok has two main components: the jeogori, a short jacket that ties at the chest, and the chima, a high-waisted, voluminously gathered skirt that falls to the floor. Modern hanbok plays with the proportions but keeps the silhouette recognisable.
What makes hanbok visually distinctive isn't the cut so much as the colour philosophy. Traditional Joseon-era hanbok uses bold colour blocking — a saturated jeogori in one colour, a contrasting chima in another. The most classic pairing is a soft pink or pale yellow jeogori with a deep blue chima. Modern pieces play with pastels, but the colour-blocking principle holds.
How dog hanbok translates the silhouette
A well-made dog hanbok keeps the visual cues even at miniature scale: a short, fitted top that ties at the chest, and a fuller bottom skirt that drapes over the back legs. The proportions are adapted (no dog hanbok has a floor-length chima — that would be unwearable), but the spirit is the same.
The Doah hanbok by Litogato is the piece we recommend to most first-time buyers. The jeogori is structured but soft enough to move in, and the chima sits naturally on the back without bunching. Pastel and traditional colour pairings both available.
What to look for when buying
Hanbok varies wildly in quality. Some Korean brands sell "hanbok-style" pieces that are essentially regular dresses with hanbok-themed prints — fine, but not the real thing. A proper hanbok should have:
- A separate jeogori construction, not a one-piece dress dressed up to look like hanbok. The visual distinction between top and bottom is the whole point.
- Ribbon ties (otgoreum) at the chest. These are the long ribbon sashes that tie the jeogori shut — both functional and the most recognisable hanbok detail.
- Natural fabric — cotton, ramie, or silk-blend. Polyester chima won't drape correctly and look stiff in photos.
- Traditional or considered colour blocking — pastel pink + sage green, cream + cobalt, pale yellow + jewel-toned skirt. Avoid pieces that use neon or muddy colour combinations.
How to wear it in Singapore
Hanbok is heavier than your daily-wear pieces. Two practical notes for our climate:
- Outdoor wear is short. Hanbok is best for the photo session and indoor portion of the day. A 30-minute walk in full hanbok will overheat most small dogs in Singapore weather.
- The chima can catch on grass and concrete. Indoor portraits, café visits, and home photoshoots are the natural environment. Save outdoor sessions for early morning when the sun is low and the chima can drape on dry surfaces.
Beyond Lunar New Year
Hanbok works for more than the holiday. Korean dog photographers use it for:
- Family portraits where the human owners are also in hanbok or coordinated traditional looks
- Wedding photoshoots — dogs in hanbok in the wedding party have become a small but lovely Korean wedding trend
- Birthday and anniversary photographs — hanbok is associated with celebration in general, not just one holiday
- Cultural events at Korean embassies, community centres, and restaurants — your dog at the Mid-Autumn Festival event at Tanjong Pagar will be photographed by everyone
Storage and care
Hanbok is the kind of piece that wants to last years. Wash it as little as possible — most hanbok can be spot-cleaned for several wears between full washes. When washing, gentle hand wash in cold water, no detergent stronger than baby shampoo, dry flat in shade. Store on a soft hanger or folded with tissue paper between layers; the chima creases if jammed into a drawer.
Where to start
For most owners, one hanbok is enough — a traditional pastel pairing that you can use for Lunar New Year, special photoshoots, and cultural events for years. The Doah hanbok is a good place to start. For specific colour combinations or sizing questions, message somin@seoulpaw.com.
— Somin, founder
서민, Seoul Paw 창립자