SEOGWIPO, Aug. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — On August 5, the ’2023 Natural Dyeing Festival’ took place at the Seogwipo Agricultural Technology Center in Jeju Island. The festival featured a captivating fashion show that showcased traditional Jeju garments, particularly the Garot or galjungi, which is a variety of hanbok, the Korean traditional clothing.
During the event, cast members showcase a unique fusion of fashion and tradition by presenting a garot fashion show alongside their adorable canine companions. Garot, a traditional Jeju garment, takes center stage in this delightful event.
Garot holds great significance as a traditional costume from Jeju Island, meticulously dyed with persimmon water, and primarily used as a labor uniform. Its dyeing process with natural colors results in subtle shades, and the fabric’s stiffness eliminates the need for extensive maintenance like ironing or feeding the grass after washing.
Participants dry their dyed clothing in the sun at the 2023 Natural Dyeing Festival
One of the remarkable qualities of Garot is its comfort during wear. Even in hot and humid conditions, it remains cool and doesn’t cling to the body, providing a breathable and pleasant experience.
Additionally, the fabric is resilient to rot and unpleasant odors even if sweaty clothes are left to dry. This made it a popular choice for everyday wear and labor-intensive activities.
Persimmon trees were abundant on Jeju Island, and nearly every household with a yard had at least one tree. During summers, the locals would craft their own persimmon water from these native trees, creating a sense of pride in effectively utilizing local resources.
Garot, being an example of such ingenuity, is hailed as an economical, hygienic, and environmentally friendly representation of traditional clothing on the island.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
