Durumagi

Durumagi (Korean: 두루마기; lit. closed all around) is a variety of po, or overcoat, in hanbok, the traditional Korean attire. It is a form of outerwear that is usually worn as the topmost layer of clothing over a jeogori (jacket) and baji (pants). It also goes by the names jumagui (주막의; 周莫衣), juchaui (주차의; 周遮衣), or juui (주의; 周衣),
The origin of durumagi traces back to at least the Three Kingdoms of Korea, where it originated from a long coat worn by the northern Chinese to fend off cold weather in ancient times. This form of paofu (Chinese robes) was mid-calf in length and had binding which were similar to those used in the jeogori. These robes look similar to the zhiju (Chinese: 直裾), which date as far back as the Shang dynasty.
Two examples of the zhiju can be found in Mawangdui (马王堆) BC 206–24 and Mashan chumu (马山楚墓) BC 770–476. Tomb murals from Goguryeo were primarily painted in two regions, Ji'an (集安) and Pyeongyang, which are the second and third capitals of the Goguryeo from the middle of the 4th to the middle of the 7th centuries respectively. The paintings dating from this period in the region of Jian show the typical characteristics of the people of Goguryeo in terms of morals and customs. In the regions of Pyeongyang, the cultural influence of the Han dynasty is reflected in figures dressed in Chinese-style attire, as the Han dynasty had governed this geographical region for approximately 400 years.
According to Samuel Lee, the origins of the durumagi can be traced back to the Goguryeo period:
However, what is now known as the durumagi is part of the indigenous attire of the Korean people:
Based on the Goguryeo mural paintings found near Pyeongyang, such as the early 5th century murals from Gamsinchong (龕神塚), the ancient durumagi worn by the owner of Gamsinchong tomb was red (or purple) in colour:
The Gamsinchong murals show a mixture of elements from before and after the fifth century; the wide-sleeves also reflect the characteristics of tomb murals that are found near the Pyeongyang area. The ancient durumagi was also worn with a waist belt and had wide sleeves.
During the Goryeo period, Mongolian influences caused the durumagi to change in appearance. Not only was the waist belt changed into a goreum, the traditional po's short length and wide sleeves were lengthened and narrowed to the style of the Mongolian coat, xurumakci, of which the name durumagi is said to be derived.
During the Joseon dynasty, the durumagi was less worn as an overcoat but more of a housecoat for the noble class, whereas it was worn outdoors by the commoners. In 1884, King Gojong promulgated the unification of clothing for all social classes through reform laws. However, this law was met with much resistance and it was only until ten years later, after the Gabo Reform of 1894, that the durumagi became common as formal attire.
The durumagi is an overcoat, which is closed all around, lacking side and back vents. It has a straight collar with front overlapping front panels closing to the right, side gores, chest ties, neckband and narrow sleeves; its length is about under the calves and above the ankles.
Different fabrics and materials are used in making durumagi: calico, wool, cotton, and various silks for winter; ramie, fine ramie and silk gauze for summer; various silks and calico for spring and autumn. White, grey and navy blue are commonly used.
There are various types which include the hotedan durumagi (홑단 두루마기; lit. single-layer durumagi), gyup durumagi (겹 두루마기; lit. double-layer durumagi), som durumagi (솜 두루마기; lit. cotton durumagi), kkachi durumagi (까치 두루마기; lit. magpie durumagi), and obangjang durumagi (오방장 두루마기; lit. five-colour durumagi) for children.
The durumagi is still considered an important part of traditional attire for formal occasions, but a variety of colours and designs are being used. Colourful durumagi were given as gifts to the world leaders of the 2005 APEC Summit in Busan.