Sangtu (topknot)

A sangtu (on top of head)

The sangtu (Korean: 상투) was a Korean topknot hairstyle worn by married men.[1][2]

The hairstyle was widely worn from around the 57 BC – 68 AD Three Kingdoms of Korea period until the late 19th century, during the Joseon period. Its practice in Korea has since virtually ceased.

By the Joseon period, the haircut was seen as essential for a man's honor. As Korea attempted to Westernize in the late 19th century, efforts to ban the haircut were fiercely resisted.

  1. ^ 김, 정자. "상투" [Sangtu]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  2. ^ Neff, Robert (2020-01-05). "The politics of hair". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2023-09-12.