Introduction
K-dramas have been incredibly popular lately, taking the world by storm. Have any K-dramas featured the traditional Korean headgear known as the “Gat”? The Gat has historical roots and was a prominent component of Joseon Dynasty traditional Korean clothing, particularly for males. Let’s examine the historical significance of the Gat and how it has changed over the ages.
1. Antiquity: The History of the Gat
The GAT has a long and illustrious history. The earliest example of it can be found in the Goguryeo era murals of the Gamsinchong (龕神塚) tomb, where hunters are portrayed wearing hats that distinguish between the “Mojang” (帽장) and “Yangtae” (양태). These ancient hats resembled the “Paeraengi” (패랭이), a kind of traditional hat.
2. Goryeo Dynasty: The Gat as a Symbol of Status
The GAT, which represents social position and rank, developed into an official headpiece for government officials during the Goryeo Dynasty. Although the components and production methods of these hats differed from those of the Joseon Dynasty’s “Heuklib” (흑립), the shape of the Gat during this time was probably more akin to the “Paeraengi” style.
3. Joseon Dynasty: The Development of the Golden Age
The Gat developed from the “Paeraengi” (패랭이) and “Chorip” (초립) phases into the more sophisticated “Heuklib” (흑립) from the late Goryeo Dynasty to the early Joseon Dynasty. While the gat became a widespread daily item, officials in the Joseon Dynasty were compelled to wear the “Samo” (帽) as part of their formal costume. Out of all the official headwear, the “Yangban” (양반) class was most fond of the Gat.
4. The Modern Era: The Gat’s Durability and Adaptation
The “Danfalryeong” (단발령) introduced the “Jeongjo” (중절모자) in 1894, but the Gat persisted in being worn after that. A order that forbade the usage of the “Paeraengi” (錨瞭이) in 1895 eliminated the inequalities in apparel based on social class and permitted even the lower classes to wear the Gat. The Joseon Dynasty’s Gat culture endured the challenging years of the Korean independence movement and is still observed today as a component of traditional clothing, such as the gat worn with “Durumagi” (두루마기).
Conclusion
We’ve investigated the Gat, a traditional Korean headgear. I find it fascinating that this piece of jewelry has been a part of Korean culture for so long? Try it out if you have the chance!
