The Hwarang were an elite band of valiant warriors during the Silla dynasty. Hwarang battalions of young, noble-lined Silla men led by commanders were extremely handsome, following the Silla maxim—a beautiful body is the abode of a beautiful soul—and are credited with aiding Silla in seizing the Korean peninsula.
Photo: KBS
The Hwarang men were archaic analogs of modern flower boys, or more specifically, metrosexual men. Unlike the latter, who were fastidious about their appearance and invested in shopping, the former had a record for taking great care of how they looked.
Photo: KBS
The Hwarang men were also alleged to burn incense, generating a lovely smell while they went about their daring exploits. They wore stylish outfits and bead-trimmed headgear to add flair to their looks, particularly when at war.
Photo: KBS
When referring to the Hwarang, the word “Hyangdo” (fragrant ones) was also employed. The 2016 classic period drama series Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, which was based on these men, revived the flower-boy image with its engrossing tale of the Silla dynasty’s upheaval.
Photo: KBS
One of the most essential roles of the Hwarang was to train young men in Silla’s ideals, spirituality, and methods of warfare. They were ostensibly gorgeous because Silla intended them to be crowd-pleasers, trusted figures, and revered administrators in society.
Photo: KBS