A glimpse of diverse age groups sporting ROKA tees (Image captured from Instagram: ‘mr_songdo’, ‘gna.a’, ‘in_ni03′)
SEOUL, Aug. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — Once confined to military bases and the closets of enlisted soldiers, the “ROKA Tee” — a functional T-shirt emblazoned with the insignia of South Korea’s armed forces — has become an unlikely fashion hit among civilians, tourists, and students.
At a military supply store in Yongsan earlier this month, the shop owner noted that not only soldiers but also Japanese and American tourists now buy the shirts. “They’re cool, comfortable, and easy to wear as pajamas,” he said, adding that black Army tees outsell those of the Air Force or Marines.
The shirts, named after the English initials for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), typically feature the national flag on one sleeve, the service abbreviation on the chest, and “KOREA ARMY” or “KOREA NAVY” across the back.
Once sold primarily in post exchanges (PX) as functional gear, they began spreading among civilians as gifts from conscripts. Their popularity has surged since, with shops in Seoul devoting entire displays to them and tourists snapping them up alongside “I ♥ KOREA” souvenirs.
Selection of ROKA tees featured on the Whoarmy shopping site ( Image captured from Whoarmy)
This summer, the shirts were spotted across vacation spots from Gangneung to seaside resorts, worn by men and women of all ages. University students praise their comfort for exercise, while high schoolers have adopted them as team shirts for sports days.
On social media, users laud their affordability — often under 20,000 won ($15) — and durability, with some noting that PX-issued shirts withstood daily wear and washing during military service.
Women, too, have embraced the trend, wearing them as casual attire or pajamas. “They’re breathable, stretchy, and dry quickly,” one young woman wrote on Threads, though she admitted some still associate them too strongly with the military.
The boom has spurred variety: long-sleeve fleece and hooded versions retail for under 40,000 won, while group orders for school events can cost as little as 6,000 won per shirt. Colors now range beyond the classic black to white and khaki, sometimes with custom patterns.
Yet the craze has also drawn caveats. Premium versions made by sports brands use advanced “Coolon” fabric, while cheap imitations offer less breathability and durability. Some critics dismiss the hype, saying the shirts are “just the most tolerable piece of military clothing” rather than true performance wear.
Even so, the ROKA Tee has clearly transcended its utilitarian roots, becoming a quirky, patriotic staple of Korean casual fashion — as likely to be found in a tourist’s suitcase or a teenager’s wardrobe as in an enlisted soldier’s kit.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
