Coupang and Naver also refer to Hanbok as ‘Hanpu’… Seo Gyeong-deok "I use the Chinese hanbok process as an excuse"

In famous domestic shopping malls, hanbok is proudly registered as Chinese traditional clothing 'Hanfu', raising criticism that it may give justification for the 'Hanbok process'.

Seo Gyeong-deok, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, announced this fact through his social networking service (SNS) on the 8th and pointed out, "This is like providing another excuse for China's unreasonable claim that 'Hanbok originated from Hanfu'."

According to Professor Seo, Hanbok and Hanfu are being sold mislabeled or used interchangeably in Coupang, Naver, G Market, and 11th Street, as if they are the same clothes.

He criticized, “I’m not saying we shouldn’t sell Chinese-style clothes, but we should clearly distinguish between Hanbok and Hanfu, as they are completely different. In most cases, these shopping malls only provide a platform (to companies), but even so, we should have paid attention to prevent this from happening through constant monitoring.”

Professor Seo pointed out that China's largest portal, Baidu Encyclopedia, defined Hanbok as 'Korean ethnic clothing', and that recent videos of Chinese influencers wearing Hanfu at Gyeongbokgung Palace were widely spread on social media, which is also raising concerns.

Professor Seo added, "It is important to point out and correct the mistakes made against China's 'Hanbok process', but we must do our best to take advantage of this and promote Hanbok around the world."