What to Wear to a Korean Funeral?

One thing that all funerals across the world have in common is that mourners’ loved ones gather there to remember them. But every nation has its own customs regarding clothes, ceremonies, and so on, and Korea is no exception. It’s crucial to dress appropriately when going to a Korean funeral out of respect for the deceased and their family. What to wear to a Korean funeral is one of the most frequently asked questions, therefore in this post, we’ll explain the appropriate attire for such occasions and offer some suggestions.

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What do women wear to Korean funerals?

The problem with funeral dresses for women is that there are so many options. There are numerous alternatives available, ranging from dresses to skirts to trousers… you can wear different styles as long as they are formal and black or dark.

What to avoid

But there is a special note that you have to keep in mind. Women should avoid wearing clothes that expose their bare skin. So, if you wish to wear skirts, stockings should be worn to cover bare flesh. You can wear a light jacket or scarf to protect your arms if you choose a dress with short sleeves.

Another thing to remember is to keep your makeup simple and light. Also, try to avoid excessively accessorizing and keep your outfit as straightforward as possible.

See a couple of the looks below on what to wear to a Korean funeral for women.

Women’s Korean funeral dresses

Korean Long black dress

If you’re still undecided about what to wear and don’t have much time to think about it, a black dress is the simplest thing to go. A long dress with long sleeves is an attractive and modest choice. You can layer an overcoat or a black cardigan if it’s winter. Additionally, you might not be able to wear socks with these skirts because they are knee-length.

You can wear high heels with this type of dress to look more sophisticated. Or, if you want to move more freely while keeping its courtesy, go for a pair of the kitten or marry jane heels.

For short sleeves or sleeveless dresses, remember to put on a coat.

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Korean Knee-length dress

Dresses that are knee-length are likewise a fantastic option. This dress’ modest length isn’t overly exposing but does provide a sensation of youth and vitality. However, you should wear long socks or black stockings and a pair of formal shoes when attending the funeral to ensure respect.

Casual Korean funeral attire female

What happens if you don’t like to wear dresses or don’t have any? You have a lot of options, then. As long as it is formal, you can wear anything casual.

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The easiest outfit to put together is a pair of wide-leg pants and a plain, dark shirt, like a turtleneck or T-shirt. All of these items lend comfort and energy, yet they are all quite casual. But don’t worry, by just adding a blazer and picking a different pair of heels or loafers, the outfit may be transformed into something more formal.

Several Korean blazers you can use as an example.

Alternatively, you may swap out the wide-leg pants with a pair of dark, suit pants or a long skirt. You can wear it with a long-sleeved black shirt in place of a T-shirt if you don’t want to wear a jacket. Still, it’s suitable and quite formal.

What do men wear to Korean funerals?

It’s really simple for males; all they need to do is dress in formal attire in black or a dark color. The simplest option is a black suit and a white shirt. Alternatively, you might dress in dark pants and a blazer or an overcoat. In addition, you should wear dark formal shoes and dark stockings. 

Avoid jeans, colorful attire, t-shirts with short sleeves, sneakers, and hats or beanies.

You can take a look at a few outfits below.

Men’s Korean funeral suit

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A suit in black or a dark color such as grey, or brown is ideal for guys. You’re essentially set if you put on a white shirt, a tie, and some spotless, professional shoes.

Casual Korean funeral attire male

If you don’t own a formal suit, smart trousers, a plain t-shirt, and a blazer are slightly more informal but still appropriate options.

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In the winter, you can wear a trench coat or an overcoat in place of the blazer.

Korean funeral clothes

The mourning family members dress in white or black. The chief mourner typically dons a black suit with a black armband, as do his close male relations. Two black bands will be attached to the arm of the principal mourner. If they desire to follow tradition, women may wear a white hanbok and a white ribbon in their hair. Nowadays, women frequently don black hanbok instead of white hanbok. Because of this, many Korean women avoid wearing white hair ribbons as accessories on a regular basis.

For the guest, you are welcome to attend a Korean funeral dressed in formal black attire as a guest mourner. Although wearing black is preferred, dark-colored clothing is still acceptable if you don’t have any.

Why do Koreans wear black to funerals?

Wearing black to a funeral, typically a melancholy occasion shows that you are grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s also regarded as a tribute to the deceased.

Even though talking about what to wear to a Korean funeral is unpleasant, we cannot avoid it. Knowing the dos and don’ts can help us avoid choosing an outfit that could not be suitable for the occasion. We hope this post will be helpful to you in helping you determine the appropriate attire to wear to a Korean funeral.