Mettubok

Mettubok (literally "mountain clothes") is the traditional dress of Metzetta. The basic structure of mettubok consists of the jeogori jacket, baji pants, chima skirt, and the po coat; it was designed to facilitate easy movement. Metzettans wear the mettubok today for formal or semi-formal occasions and events such as festivals, celebrations, and ceremonies including weddings.

A woman wearing modern Mettubok.

Construction and design

Male

Men's mettubok consists of jeogori and baji. Po may be added for additional warmth.

Female

Women's mettubok consists of jeogori and chima. Po may be added for additional warmth.

Occasions

Mettubok is classified according to its purposes: everyday dress, ceremonial dress, and special dress. Ceremonial dresses are worn on formal occasions, including weddings and funerals. Special dresses are made for shamans and officials. Mettubok is worn on Metzettan holidays such as Chusu, Saehae and Gaehwa.

Mettubok was the everyday wear for Metzettans until a decline in use began around 1920. After the Second Great War, most citizens had transitioned towards wearing western clothing. A small minority continued to wear their mettubok until even today.

In 2000, Empress Joya instituted Mettubok Day to encourage Metzettans to continue honouring their fine clothing tradition.

Social Status

Modern Times

A man wearing modern Mettubok.

Although mettubok is a traditional costume, it has been re-popularized in modern fashion.