Obansaek (오방색, 五方色) is the Korean traditional color scheme of blue (green), red, yellow, black, and white. Obang means five directions - center, north, south, east, and west; saek indicates color; thus, it means “the five directions of color.” These Korean traditional colors were inspired by the concept of the ancient Chinese philosophical theory of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements – presenting a belief that there are two forces (energies) -yin and yang - creating the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The theory describes that everything in life - the universe, nature, and humans - must be balanced.1

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Each color of Obansaek is assigned to a direction and meaning. Yellow sits in the center, symbolizing the center of the earth (or the universe), and is considered one of the noblest colors; therefore, it was used for kings' garments. Black indicates north, water, and winter, and deals with human wisdom. Blue symbolizes “creativity, loyalty, generosity, infinity, and other positive qualities. Blue is a reference to Korea's natural beauty and clear skies.”  Red signifies south, fire, and summer; the color exorcizes evil spirits. Lastly, white, meaning truth and virginity, embodies the West, metal, and fall. Koreans liked to wear white clothes, calling themselves the "white-clad folk.2

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