There are many moments in life, both big and small, that call for celebration. In Korea, there is a special tradition of wearing saekdong hanbok on particularly joyful and meaningful occasions. A saekdong hanbok is made from traditional Korean fabric composed of vibrant, multicolored stripes, and it is worn on special days such as weddings and birthdays.

When I got married, I wore a Western-style white wedding dress for the ceremony. Afterward, I changed into a hanbok and greeted my family in accordance with traditional Korean wedding customs. (The photo below shows the ceremonial Hanbok I wore on that day.)

In Korea, it is especially customary for children to wear a saekdong hanbok on their first birthday and take commemorative photos. Both my son and daughter celebrated their first birthdays dressed in saekdong hanbok, marking the occasion with a party and photographs. The tradition reflects wishes for a long life and abundant blessings.

My son

Most recently, our family was blessed with the birth of my grandson this past January. When he turns one, he too will wear a hanbok to celebrate. Even now, I can already imagine how this will become a cherished and beautiful memory.