Korean Costume Culture in the 1920-1930s as Seen by a Western Resident : Focusing on the Eileen Currier Archive

This study examines Korean costume culture in the 1920–1930s based on the Eileen Currier Archive Collection at the National Folk Museum of Korea. The collection consists of 512 items related to Korea, collected and preserved by Kathleen Smith Gorman (1894-1992) who lived in Seoul from 1921 to 1940, and later donated by her daughter, Eileen Reeve Currier (1926-2024). Photographs and manuscripts (Colour and Contrast in Korea and Kamapsamneda), collected or written by Gorman, form the basis of the research. Unlike previous studies that compile various foreign records, this study analyzes consistent observations by a single individual to examine costume structure, colors, and wearing contexts. The materials mainly depict individuals in traditional Korean clothing, with examples where Western elements such as vests, hats and shoes were incorporated, highlighting the transitional costume culture of the modern period. Gorman’s records reflect both an outsider’s view and that of a long-term resident, illustrating how hanbok symbolizes Korea. White clothing, wedding attire, and children’s festive costumes illustrate contemporary costume practices. This study provides a foundational basis for understanding Korean costume culture in the 1920-1930s from an integrated foreign perspective.