Korean men began being officially required to cut their hair in 1895, although the transition took time and met resistance.
The Edict and Resistance
- The Eulmi Reforms: The edict mandating hair cutting was introduced during the Eulmi Reforms in 1895.
- Slow Acceptance: Even a decade after the edict, many Korean men resisted cutting off their traditional topknots.
- Tradition vs. Modernization: This resistance highlights the tension between tradition and the push for modernization in Korea at the time.
Timeline
| Event | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edict Issued | 1895 | The official decree mandating that Korean men cut their hair was implemented. |
| Continued Resistance | 1905 | Even ten years later, many men still refused to abandon the topknot, showing strong resistance. |
