Gache
A heavy traditional Korean wig worn by high-status women and kisaeng.
The gache is a traditional Korean wig historically worn by women of high social standing and kisaeng. Decorated with expensive materials like gold and jewels, these wigs were banned in 1788 due to their weight and cost.
- Weighing up to four kilograms, the gache was extremely heavy.
- Banned by the Korean government in 1788.
- Reserved for high-status women and kisaeng.
- Decorated with gold, silver, coral, and jade.
- Preparation could take six to seven years for lower-class families.
What it is
The gache is a substantial traditional Korean wig designed for women. It involves adding significant volume and length to the wearer's natural hair. The style is characterised by its considerable weight, often reaching three to four kilograms when accessories are included. It serves as a head covering that signifies status through its size and the richness of the materials used to decorate it.
Where it comes from
This wig was prevalent during several historical eras, including Gojoseon, the Gaya confederacy, Balhae, the Three Kingdoms period, and Goryeo. Use flourished among women of high social standing and kisaeng. In the 19th century, yangban women shifted towards wearing the jokduri, a smaller hat. However, the gache remained popular within kisaeng circles and at traditional weddings until the government issued a ban in 1788.
What it means
The gache functioned as a clear marker of social hierarchy. Only wealthy families or those of high standing could afford such expensive accessories. Larger and heavier wigs were considered more aesthetically pleasing and indicated greater status. Certain decorative elements were strictly reserved for royalty, distinguishing the highest ranks from other elite classes.
How it is made
The style is created by attaching a large amount of hair to form a heavy wig. Artisans decorated these wigs using silk objects, gold, silver, coral, jade, and various jewels. The preparation could be lengthy; some lower-class families spent six to seven years preparing a new gache for a daughter-in-law. The final product was placed on the head, requiring the wearer to support its significant weight.
Versions
In the 19th century, the jokduri emerged as a variant substitute for yangban women. This was a small hat that replaced the need for the heavy gache. Despite this shift among the elite, the traditional gache continued to be worn by kisaeng and brides in traditional wedding ceremonies, maintaining its original form and decorative complexity.
In culture
The gache holds a place in Korean history as a symbol of wealth and rank. Its use was so prevalent that it eventually led to government intervention. The weight of the wig posed serious health risks; one record notes the death of a thirteen-year-old bride who suffered neck injury from rising too quickly while wearing it. This incident highlights the physical burden imposed by the fashion.
Questions people ask about Gache
Who wore the gache?
The gache was worn exclusively by women. Historically, it was restricted to those of high social standing and kisaeng. Wealthier families displayed their status through larger, more heavily decorated versions of the wig.
Why was the gache banned?
The government banned the gache in 1788. The wigs were notoriously heavy, sometimes weighing up to four kilograms. This weight caused physical harm, including a recorded incident where a young bride died from neck injury caused by the strain of the wig.
What materials were used to decorate the gache?
Artisans decorated the wigs with expensive items including silk, gold, silver, coral, jade, and various jewels. Specific decorations were reserved for royalty, further emphasising the social hierarchy represented by the hairstyle.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Kach'e", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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