From olden times Korea has been widely known for its high-quality silk.
Koreans had already established silk production techniques in ancient times, which saw further improvement during the Koguryo dynasty, the first feudal state in Korea that had existed from 277 BC to AD 668, and the Koryo dynasty (918-1392).
Historical records show that Korean ancestors began to raise mulberry silkworms in ancient times by domesticating wild silkworms and obtained raw silk from them to weave silk stuff for clothes.
It is said that Korean silk was featured by silvery sheen, soft touch and delicacy and it was more expensive than gold.
It was distinctive in terms of weaving and patterning.
To take an example, pieces of silk cloth unearthed in ancient relics in the area of Rangnang District, Pyongyang, were embroidered with beautifully coloured threads and mostly knitted closely.
This showcases the high level of the early silk production techniques in Korea.
Koreans had also developed methods of processing silk threads and weaving beautiful silk cloth.
Given that hemp cloth was the first cloth that had ever been woven in Korea, hand loom was used to weave silk cloth, and it would be of a vertical style. The weaving methods included plain, twill and distortion ones.
Korean silk can be differentiated from foreign ones in the method of obtaining raw silk from silkworms. Koreans did not fully boil silkworms and completely remove sericin on the understanding that the silk cloth woven with the thread processed in this way would be as stiff as starched cloth and soft to the skin.
Herein lies the secret behind the comfortableness, delicacy and freshness of chima (skirt) and jogori (jacket), paji (trousers) and jogori and other traditional Korean wear in daily life.
Korean ancestors were the first to invent patterning.
Patterning methods thrived during the feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910) in which a variety of gorgeously patterned cloth was produced.
Silk cloth is the toughest, lightest and most beautiful among the natural fibres, and it gives coolness in summer and warmth in winter. It is also flexible and creaseless.
The traditional Korean silk production techniques are on the national intangible heritage list.
Kim Wi Hyok
More From Naenara (En)
The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in the DPRK is overflowing with the great joy and optimism of the people enjoying to the
July 04, 2025
The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in the DPRK is overflowing with the great joy and optimism of the people enjoying to the
The Mudu Peak scoria cone is one of the geological sites in the Mt Paektu area registered as a global geopark. The parasitic
July 04, 2025
The Mudu Peak scoria cone is one of the geological sites in the Mt Paektu area registered as a global geopark. The parasitic
A spokesperson for the DPRK Foreign Ministry issued the following press statement titled “QUAD should stop unilateral coercive
July 04, 2025
A spokesperson for the DPRK Foreign Ministry issued the following press statement titled “QUAD should stop unilateral coercive
Among Korea’s cultural heritage items is the technique of making janggo (hourglass-shaped drum).Janggo is a traditional percussion
July 04, 2025
Among Korea’s cultural heritage items is the technique of making janggo (hourglass-shaped drum).Janggo is a traditional percussion
The geo-section of Kat Peak is one of the geological sites in the Mt Paektu area registered as a global geopark. The peak is
July 03, 2025
The geo-section of Kat Peak is one of the geological sites in the Mt Paektu area registered as a global geopark. The peak is
The harvest of wheat and barley is underway in the rural areas across the DPRK. Around June the harvest of the early crops starts
July 03, 2025
The harvest of wheat and barley is underway in the rural areas across the DPRK. Around June the harvest of the early crops starts
The Chollima era is proudly etched in the course of development of the DPRK replete with creations and transformations. In the
July 03, 2025
The Chollima era is proudly etched in the course of development of the DPRK replete with creations and transformations. In the
A spectacular sight of laughter and optimism has been presented at the 4km-long sandy beach of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist
July 03, 2025
A spectacular sight of laughter and optimism has been presented at the 4km-long sandy beach of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist
Korea’s classic Tangunsegi is known to have been compiled by Ri Am in 1363. The book deals with typical events, facts, language,
July 03, 2025
Korea’s classic Tangunsegi is known to have been compiled by Ri Am in 1363. The book deals with typical events, facts, language,
A delegation of Kim Il Sung Military University headed by its President Kim Kum Chol left Pyongyang on June 30 to visit the
July 02, 2025
A delegation of Kim Il Sung Military University headed by its President Kim Kum Chol left Pyongyang on June 30 to visit the
Mt Kanbaek volcano is one of the geological sites in the Mt Paektu area registered as a global geopark. It is a volcano with an
July 02, 2025
Mt Kanbaek volcano is one of the geological sites in the Mt Paektu area registered as a global geopark. It is a volcano with an
Undertakings for improving conditions and environment for education are in full swing in the DPRK. Last year alone, after Songga
July 02, 2025
Undertakings for improving conditions and environment for education are in full swing in the DPRK. Last year alone, after Songga
The Paper Engineering Institute of the State Academy of Sciences has developed a technology of making paper by using fallen
July 02, 2025
The Paper Engineering Institute of the State Academy of Sciences has developed a technology of making paper by using fallen
The delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation headed by Minister Olga Lyubimova visited the Juche-oriented
July 02, 2025
The delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation headed by Minister Olga Lyubimova visited the Juche-oriented
Talks between Sung Jong Gyu, minister of Culture of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Olga Lyubimova, minister of
July 01, 2025
Talks between Sung Jong Gyu, minister of Culture of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Olga Lyubimova, minister of
A delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation led by Minister Olga Lyubimova on a visit to the DPRK laid a
July 01, 2025
A delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation led by Minister Olga Lyubimova on a visit to the DPRK laid a
The Chollima Steel Complex has newly installed an efficient and advanced curved continuous caster and put it into commission. As a
July 01, 2025
The Chollima Steel Complex has newly installed an efficient and advanced curved continuous caster and put it into commission. As a
Pyongyang Grand Theatre is one of the iconic structures in downtown Pyongyang. It is associated with the wise leadership of the
July 01, 2025
Pyongyang Grand Theatre is one of the iconic structures in downtown Pyongyang. It is associated with the wise leadership of the
Established in November 2004 and located in Mundok County, South Phyongan Province, the Chongnam Joint Venture Company engages in
June 30, 2025
Established in November 2004 and located in Mundok County, South Phyongan Province, the Chongnam Joint Venture Company engages in
Lately, the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex set up a new technical process for improving the quality of steel by using active
June 30, 2025
Lately, the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex set up a new technical process for improving the quality of steel by using active
More Articles
