Overview
A hwarot is a long, wide-sleeved red robe of silk, densely embroidered over the whole surface with peonies, lotuses, paired phoenixes, and characters wishing long life and many sons. Reserved for weddings, it turned the bride into a figure of blessing and display.
How it is worn
It is worn over the ordinary hanbok on the wedding day, the huge sleeves banded in blue, red, and yellow and often finished with white cuffs, with a jokduri coronet on the head and red dots painted on the cheeks. The bride kept her hands hidden in the sleeves.
History
The hwarot came from the ceremonial robes of the royal and noble women of Goryeo and Joseon and was permitted to commoner brides for their one wedding day. Preserved in museums and revived for traditional weddings, it remains the grandest Korean garment.