The Unimaginable Weight of Traditional Korean Wigs (Gache)

Before the reigns of King Yeongjo and King Jeongjo in the Joseon Dynasty, among the women of the yangban (aristocratic) class, wearing large and high 'gache' (traditional elaborate wigs) was a symbol of wealth and a major trend. Not only was the price of gache as expensive as a house, but its weight was also enormous, typically ranging from 3-4 kg, and in severe cases, exceeding 5 kg. This frequently led to tragic accidents where people broke their neck bones or suffered health problems due to the pressure from the gache. Eventually, when deaths occurred because of gache, King Jeongjo issued the 'Gache Prohibition Order' to ban the practice by law and commanded the adoption of the jokduri (a type of traditional Korean hat) instead, aiming to curb extravagance and protect the people's health. It was the dark side of Joseon's fashion, where the desire for splendor threatened even lives.