Korean Grim Reaper Costume
Embody the dark elegance of Korea's traditional messenger of death.
The Korean Grim Reaper, or Jeoseung Saja, is a legendary figure of death popularized globally by hit K-dramas like 'Goblin' (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God). Unlike the Western cloaked skeleton, this reaper wears a striking combination of traditional Korean attire, including a flowing black robe and a wide-brimmed hat. It is a sophisticated, eerie, and culturally rich choice for cosplay or Halloween.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $50–150
Try it on
See yourself as Korean Grim Reaper
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What you need for a Korean Grim Reaper costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Korean Grim Reaper costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black Gat Hat
A traditional Korean wide-brimmed semi-transparent black hat made of bamboo and horsehair (or synthetic mesh) with a chin strap.
DIY: Construct a wide brim from black poster board and attach a cylindrical crown made of black mesh ribbon.
Black Hanbok or Do-po Robe
A long, flowing black Korean overcoat (Do-po) or a full black hanbok set with wide sleeves.
DIY: Use a long black open-front kimono robe or a black graduation gown modified with wide, draped sleeves.
White Inner Collar (Dongjeong)
A crisp white fabric strip attached along the collar line of the black robe.
DIY: Baste or fabric-tape a strip of stiff white ribbon along the inner collar of your black robe.
Black Waist Sash (Dae-dae)
A wide black fabric belt or sash tied around the waist to secure the robe.
DIY: Tie a long strip of black cotton fabric or a black martial arts belt around your waist.
Black Trousers
Loose-fitting black pants worn underneath the robe.
DIY: Use any pair of plain, loose-fitting black scrub pants or slacks.
Black Shoes
Simple black slip-on shoes or traditional Korean-style cloth shoes.
DIY: Wear plain black canvas flats or dark loafers.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Korean Grim Reaper costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the loose black trousers and a plain black undershirt.
- 2
Slip on the black hanbok or do-po robe, ensuring the white inner collar strip is visible at the neck.
- 3
Overlap the front panels of the robe left-over-right, following traditional Korean style.
- 4
Wrap the wide black sash around your waist and tie it securely in a neat knot at the front or side.
- 5
Put on the black slip-on shoes.
- 6
Place the traditional black gat hat on your head, securing the chin strap beneath your chin.
- 7
Adjust the wide sleeves of the robe to hang symmetrically.
Makeup & hair
Keep your hair neat and tied back or tucked under the hat. Apply pale foundation for a ghostly, cold complexion, and define the eyes with subtle dark eyeshadow or eyeliner for a somber, intense gaze.
Korean Grim Reaper for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a colorful traditional Korean hanbok (like a red or yellow jeogori) to represent a soul being guided, or a Gumiho (nine-tailed fox).
- group
- Gather a squad of Jeoseung Saja in matching black robes and gat hats to look like a modern reaper department.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a simplified black robe and a lightweight foam or plastic gat hat.
- Plus size
- The loose, flowing cut of the traditional do-po robe is naturally accommodating and adjustable with the waist sash.
Tips
- Secure the gat hat with bobby pins if you plan to walk around outdoors on a windy night.
- The wide sleeves can catch on things; keep your hands tucked inside them when navigating tight crowds.
- Use a stiff, high-quality ribbon for the white collar to keep it looking crisp and clean in photos.
Korean Grim Reaper costume FAQ
- What is the Korean Grim Reaper called?
- The Korean Grim Reaper is called Jeoseung Saja, which translates to 'Envoy of the Underworld.'
- What does a Korean Grim Reaper wear?
- Traditionally, they wear a black hanbok (specifically a do-po robe) and a black gat, which is a traditional Korean wide-brimmed hat.
- How do I make the traditional Korean hat (gat)?
- You can make a budget version using black poster board for the brim, a plastic cup or mesh ribbon for the crown, and a black ribbon for the chin strap.
Did you know? In traditional Korean folklore, Jeoseung Saja are not evil monsters; they are simply civil servants of the underworld who guide souls safely from the mortal world to the afterlife.