The beoseon (; ) is a type of footwear consisting of a pair of socks worn with hanbok, Korean traditional clothing, and designed for protection, warmth, and style. It is also called (), jokgeon () or mal () in hanja. According to a book titled (ÃÂÂ몽ìÂÂÃÂÂ, è¨ÂèÂÂÃ¥ÂÂæÂÂ) written by Choe Sejin (ìµÂì¸ì§Â, å´Âä¸ÂçÂÂ) in 1527 during the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty, was previously called (ë³´ì Âë§Â).
It is not clear when was first worn, but ancient is assumed to have originated as a form of trousers or bojagi (wrapping cloths) for protecting the feet. During the period of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, silk beoseon was worn only by members of the upper classes. In the Joseon period, beoseon made from white fabric was worn more commonly regardless of class.
The types of beoseon vary by purpose, shape, and sewing technique. Goteun beoseon (곧ìÂÂë²Âì ), also called godeulmok beoseon (ê³ ë¤목ë²Âì ) and nuin beoseon (ëÂÂì¸ë²Âì ), are defined by their shape.
With regard to sewing technique, beoseon can be divided into som beoseon, gyeop beoseon, hot beoseon, nubi beoseon, and tarae beoseon. Som beoseon (ìÂÂë²Âì ) is made from fabric stuffed with cotton (som in Korean) as a batting for warmth and style. Gyeop beoseon (ê²¹ë²Âì ) is made from two layers (gyeop) of fabric without stuffing. Hot beoseon (ÃÂÂë²Âì ) is made with one layer (hot) and worn as an inner sock to prevent the outer beoseon from getting dirty. Nubi beoseon (ëÂÂë¹Âë²Âì ) is made by quilting (nubi) and usually worn for protection against the cold during winter. This type of beoseon is considered practical because it is easy to handle after cleaning even though the running stitches can come undone and it is stiffer than other types of beoseon. Tarae beoseon (ÃÂÂëÂÂë²Âì ) refers to decorative socks for children. After being quilted, tarae beosoen is embroidered with thread of various colors, and a ribbon is attached around the ankles to bind them at the front.
Although the shape of beoseon does not typically reflect gender, the seams in beoseon for men are straighter than the seams in beoseon for women.