Fashion of the Baekje Royal Family

The luxurious clothing exhibited here are the restored garments of the king and queen of Baekje. The queen’s clothing is displayed on the right of the tomb steles. As these garments were worn by the holders of the two highest positions in the kingdom, they represent the absolute pinnacle of splendor and dignity.

The clothing of Baekje people differed according to their social status. One’s social position and official rank determined both the style of one’s clothing and the color of one’s hat. The long jackets and straight sleeves typical of Baekje garments were influenced by the style prevalent in the northern kingdom of Goguryeo.

Note the dignified appearance of the King of Baekje, who is depicted here wearing mystical purple clothing.

Now let’s examine the characteristic features of Baekje clothing.

The king of Baekje generally wore purple clothing, wide sleeves and a long jacket. The long, traditional Korean jacket was usually cinched by a leather belt and worn over wide trousers made of blue silk. As Baekje was located in the south, the climate was warm and clothes were usually worn open, unlike the traditional Korean clothing of today.

The diadem was made of black cloth and decorated with extravagant gold ornaments designed to accentuate the authority of the king.

In accordance with their official rank, nobles of the highest rank also wore violet clothing. The rank beneath them wore red, and courtiers of the lowest rank wore blue clothing. All government officials wore a hat decorated with a silver flower.

But what about the queen’s clothing? A few records remain describing the clothing of Baekje women. It is thought that women’s garments had wider sleeves than the men’s, but they are presumed to have been of a similar style.