Northeast Asian History Network

Northern Wall of the Main Chamber - Valet 1

This is a detailed view of the valets depicted on the northern wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. Three valets can be seen standing side-by-side holding various dishes of food to be served to the noble couple.
They are wearing Geons (a type of ancient headwear that wraps around the entire head and tied in the back, similar to a bandanna) around their heads and form-fitting trousers known as Gung-go. Although Geons were primarily worn by valets or the lower-class during the Koguryo era, they were also used by nobility for hunting or other outdoor activities. They are also wearing Jeogoris (traditional Korean upper garment) with waistbands, and the necklines, sleeves, and bottom hemlines feature Seons (accents on garments mimicking the black feathers on a crane’s neck or wingtips, influenced by Siberian shamanism). In addition to the decorative effect, the Seon also has a practical purpose of preventing wear.
The front panels of Jeogoris (traditional Korean upper garment) were worn left to the right in a style known as U-im (Korean style for wearing traditional Hanbok; literally "panel right"). Although the opposite Jwa-im (literally "panel left") style was traditionally worn in Koguryo, both styles gained wide acceptance after U-im was introduced in the region by the Han Chinese. The plump face, flowing attire, and balanced proportions provide viewers with a glimpse of high-level Koguryo artistry.