Did you know that Korea has a unique color system? I was truly amazed when I learned about these colors and realized that I could see them in everything related to Korea. We can observe these colors through Korea's rich cultural heritage, traditional arts, and symbols. So, do you know the name of this color system? Let's take a closer look at Korea's mysterious color system called Obangsaek...

The name of this color system is Obangsaek, which means "five colors" in Korean. The term Obangsaek represents a palette consisting of five main colors, which form Korea's traditional color system.

‘Obangsaek colors’ Design: Volga Serin Suleymanoglu

Meaning of Obangsaek colors

Each Obangsaek color is based on the symbolic meanings and associations with Korea's mythology and traditional beliefs, linked to cardinal directions. Blue (Jeong) represents the east and is considered as a source of inspiration. Red (Hong) symbolizes the south. Yellow (Hwang) represents the center, white (Baek) represents the west, and black (Heuk) represents the north. These colors are connected to the symbolism based on Korea's local mythology and belief systems such as Shamanism.

Jeong (Blue): Jeong represents the sky and symbolizes creativity, loyalty, generosity, and other positive qualities. Blue is a reference to Korea's natural beauty and clear skies.

Baek (White): Baek represents the metal element and carries meanings of purity, honesty, innocence. It is also associated with death and mourning, as white clothes are worn during funeral ceremonies in Korea.

Hong (Red): Hong represents fire and conveys meanings of passion, energy, luck. Red, frequently used in traditional Korean weddings and celebrations, symbolizes vitality and joy.

Heuk (Black): Heuk represents water and carries meanings of mystery, seriousness, death. Black is considered a part of Korea's beauty standards and reflects elegance.

Hwang (Yellow): Hwang symbolizes the earth and represents simplicity, compassion, forgiveness. Yellow is often used in Korea's traditional clothing, called hanbok, and reflects the natural landscapes of Korea.

 The Connection Between Sam Taegeuk and Obangsaek

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You may have seen Sam Taegeuk before, as this symbol composed of Obangsaek colors is still used in modern-day Korea. Sam Taegeuk and Obangsaek are an important part of Korea's deep-rooted cultural heritage, and these symbols and colors continue to be widely used in Korean art, architecture, traditional attire, and daily life.

Sam Taegeuk is the traditional symbol of Korea, representing the principles of yin and yang through three components. This symbol embodies the universal concepts of balance, harmony, and unity. Sam Taegeuk and Obangsaek emphasize the uniqueness and profound meaning of Korea, playing a significant role in Korean art, design, and lifestyle throughout history.

Now, when you see a Sam Taegeuk, Obangsaek colors will come to mind, highlighting the connection between these two aspects of Korean culture…

‘Hanbok’  Seoul, South Korea - October 9, 2017: Pretty girls wearing Korean traditional dress Hanbok and using smartphone in Gyeongbokgung Palace. Girls taking pictures.  Photo: Efired  (common license pics)

Obangsaek in Korean History

The traditional use of Obangsaek colors can be observed in various fields. The most prominent and enduring example of their traditional use is seen in Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire. The colorful patterns on Hanbok, especially during palace ceremonies and special celebrations, are eye-catching. These colors enhance the aesthetic value of the garments while reflecting Korea's cultural identity and deep symbolism. You can see many tourists in Korea wearing Hanbok and taking photos. I think Hanbok is the only traditional costume that is still in use and has been adapted to modern designs. The reason for Hanbok's popularity must be the Obangsaek colors. Hanbok designs that can suit the tastes of people of all ages attract the attention of tourists and those interested in Korean culture. Have you ever worn Hanbok before?

Obangsaek colors have also been widely used in traditional Korean art and crafts. These include ceramics, paintings, textiles, and architectural works. "Buncheong" ceramics, particularly popular during the Joseon Dynasty, frequently incorporate Obangsaek colors. In these ceramics, the colors reflect natural elements and plant motifs.

Furthermore, Obangsaek colors have played a significant role in traditional Korean architecture. Dancheong is a decorative pattern art that adorns the exteriors of temples, palaces, and traditional Korean houses called hanok. Obangsaek colors are often used in Dancheong art. Inside hanok houses, Obangsaek colors are incorporated into the interior decoration, creating a traditional atmosphere. 

Making of Obangsaek colors

In ancient times, the pigments for Obangsaek colors were obtained from natural sources. Lapis lazuli or cobalt blue mineral sources were used for blue, while botanical sources and minerals were preferred for red. Plant dyes, mineral sources, and charcoal were used for yellow, white, and black, respectively. Nowadays, commercial paints and modern technology are used to achieve tones similar to Obangsaek colors.

The Modern Use of Obangsaek Colors in Korea

In contemporary Korea, the use of Obangsaek colors bridges the gap between traditional and modern designs. In the fashion world, Obangsaek colors are impressively used in both traditional hanbok designs and modern clothing. Leading Korean designers incorporate the symbolic meanings of Obangsaek into their contemporary designs, carrying the heritage of the past to future generations.

‘Dancheong’Traditional painting on wooden buildings, Photo: Leung Cho Pan (common license pics)

Moreover, the influence of Obangsaek colors can be seen in graphic design, illustration, art, and visual media. These colors create a unique expression in logos, posters, artworks, and other visual works that emphasize Korea's identity.

Obangsaek colors hold a unique place in Korea's art, design, and culture. While reflecting Korea's rich history, symbols, and aesthetic values, these colors continue to live on in traditional and modern designs. The meanings and vibrancy of Obangsaek colors are a strong expression of Korea's cultural identity, and their use is an important tool to carry the heritage of the past to future generations.

Assortment of Korean traditional dishes. Asian food. Photo: Tatjana Baibakova (common license pics)

Balancing Flavor and Visual Appeal in Korean Cuisine with Obangsaek Colors

While enjoying Korean cuisine, I noticed that Obangsaek colors are predominant not only in main dishes but also in side dishes. Despite having a colorful appearance, Korean dishes look natural and healthy rather than artificial. When I dine at a Korean restaurant and enjoy Korean food, I feel very healthy and energized. 

Perhaps we should explore the significance of Obangsaek colors in Korean cuisine as they satisfy both our stomachs and our eyes...

The use of Obangsaek colors plays a significant role in the presentation and aesthetics of dishes in Korean cuisine. Koreans value the visual appeal of their meals and Obangsaek colors are an essential part of this presentation. These colors are associated with important symbols in Korean culture, representing meanings such as health, abundance, and luck. 

The importance of Obangsaek colors on the dining table goes beyond enhancing the visual appeal of the dishes; it also reflects the principles of health and balanced nutrition. Korean cuisine embraces a balanced approach to nutrition by incorporating a variety of ingredients and colors. The use of Obangsaek colors allows for the representation of different food groups within a meal and emphasizes the importance of diversity for a well-rounded diet.

Especially if you are interested in working in the field of art and design in Korea, I recommend learning about the Obangsaek color system and even conducting further research to create resources on this topic for others, as I noticed a limited availability of information in English during my research. I believe this is a significant subject because the use of these colors is widespread in modern-day Korea and in promoting Korean culture. If you aspire to work in these fields, having knowledge about Obangsaek colors will give you an edge and deepen your understanding of Korean culture.