Selling Hanfu as 'Hanbok' on Amazon... Suspected to Be Chinese Vendors

Controversy has arisen as numerous vendors have been found selling 'Hanfu' as 'Hanbok' on Amazon, a platform widely used by people around the world.

A scene of selling 'Hanfu' on Amazon using the keyword 'Hanbok'. Professor Seo Kyungduk

Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University stated on the 16th, "I have received reports from various countries," adding, "Upon investigating these sellers, they appear to be Chinese companies."

Recently, Chinese netizens have continued to make unfounded claims that Korea's traditional attire, Hanbok, originated from their own Hanfu.

The controversy intensified when Baidu Encyclopedia, China's leading portal, described Hanbok as "Joseonjok attire" (Korean ethnic minority in China).

Professor Seo pointed out, "As the Korean Wave spreads globally and Hanbok and Gat attract international attention, it is clearly wrong for sellers to use the keyword 'Hanbok' while selling Hanfu."

A scene of selling 'Hanfu' on Amazon using the keyword 'Hanbok'. Professor Seo Kyungduk

He further stated, "Since people around the world may develop misconceptions about Hanbok, I plan to send a protest email to Amazon soon."

In 2021, the globally respected Oxford English Dictionary (OED) clearly defined and listed 'Hanbok' as "the traditional attire of Korea."

Professor Seo added, "I plan to continue running global Hanbok promotion campaigns so that our Hanbok can be accurately recognized around the world."