Why Is The Black Korean Wedding Guest Outfit Becoming The Latest Trend?

Joo Woo Jae Official Instagram / Song JiEun Official Instagram

Once primarily reserved for funerals, black has become a popular choice for a stylish Korean wedding guest outfit. This new fashion trend not only applies to ordinary locals but also to celebrities. From wearing a black dress with a touch of white to sporting all-black attire, wedding guests are embracing this versatile shade nowadays.

This significant evolution departs from the traditional hanbok and the modern colorful or neutral dresses and suits. What could have inspired this surprising shift in wedding fashion in South Korea?

Keep reading to uncover the answer. This article delves into the factors behind this unexpected shift, exploring the social influences that have made black a popular color for Korean wedding guests.

ย 

ย 

What Was the Korean Wedding Guest Outfit in the Past?

Arranged marriage was common in Korea in early times, and couples were paired based on their compatibility. Gung-hap, or the reading of horoscopes, played a big role in determining whether the man and the woman were a match.

In addition, symbolism filled wedding ceremonies before. A few examples are a live rooster, which represents the groomโ€™s responsibility to protect his family; and a hen, which stands for the brideโ€™s responsibility to have many children. Various fruits depict longevity, chestnuts for having sons, and pine and bamboo branches for endless love for each other.

Korea