A Study on the Meanings and Modern Applications of Korean Traditional Colors

Colors have had a great influence on our lives for ages. The colors of the Korean life have human emotion, the soul of the people, and their own special culture. The perceived meanings of color to Koreans have been influenced by the natural environment, as well as by the Yin-Yang and the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) theory, and were independently formed and developed. Koreans showed a higher interest in the natural colors and expressed the philosophical ideas as well as the symbolic meanings of color. Korean traditional colors have special meanings related to what kind of color is appropriate as well as what kind of color affects the mind. Examining how traditional colors were utilized in the life of Korean ancestors may lead to identifying traditional colors that are significant to modern applications. An analysis shows that the modern meanings of Korean traditional colors relate to therapy’ and ‘harmony(balance of all things).’ Koreans strengthened their bodies’ natural healing power through reducing anxiety or stress, and prayed for happiness through the balance of all things in the universe by using Korean traditional colors. Thus, this study suggests modern applications on the basis of Korean traditional colors’ modern meanings: color psychotherapy and emotional education. The former aids in the expression of emotion, psychological stability, and recovery after illness by using the healing function of the colors, while the latter helps the harmonious growth of reason and emotion through enhancing a sense of empathy. A study on physical and psychological reactions to colors and the emotional image of colors must be a priority in pursuing modern applications of Korean traditional colors. This study suggested the development and application of a program of color psychotherapy, emotional education, and a program integrating therapy and education.