What is "beoseon"

The beoseon is a type of paired socks worn with hanbok, Korean traditional clothing and is made for protection, warmth, and style. It is also called jokui , jokgeon or mal in hanja. According to a book titled Hunmong jahoe written by Choe Sejin in 1527 during the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910), beoseon was called "bosyeonmal" , so it may be called by the name before the time.

It is not clear when beoseon first began to be worn, but ancient beoseon is assumed to be a form extended from a trouser or bojagi (wrapping clothes) for protecting the foot. During the period of the Three Kingdoms of Korea (57 BC – 668 AD), beonseon made of silk was worn but it was limited by social class. In the Joseon period, beoseon made of a white fabric was usually worn regardless of class except special occasions.