Summer fashion in Minnesota is very relaxed. Before this trip, my summer wardrobe consisted almost completely of athletic shorts and tank-tops. However, based on my previous research of Korea, I segmented my sad collection of summer clothes with a few pairs of denim shorts before traveling across the world. The largest difference between Korean fashion and fashion in the American Midwest is the fact that Koreans generally dress up and look nice all the time. Most women wear skirts/dresses with heels for everyday errands, i.e. Shopping at markets, attending class etc. The only time that I have seen a semi underdressed Korean women (loose pants and a plain shirt) was in the neighborhood that Christina and I live. The lady was obviously on her way to run a quick errand and pick up some items from the convince store. Another fashion choice that you never see on Korean women is exposed shoulders. Tank sad halter tops are virtually nonexistent. In fact, on hot days (aka all the time in the summer) it is common to see women wearing jeans and a nice blouse, if they aren't wearing jeans they are most likely wearing a skirt/dress with a light sweater. And I'd say that on a daily basis, 75% of the women in Korea are wearing some form of heel.
Women's fashion also varies depending on your location in Seoul. Where Christina and I live, in Sillim, women's fashion is generally pretty relaxed. Many women wear denim shorts with loose, flowing shirts paired with sandals. In areas like Hongdae the fashion is a lot more punk rock. Most women will wear only the colors white and black in the form of tight short skirts and jersey shirts with “cool” English sayings on them like, "shake," or "pride". Hongdae is also where chunky heels are most popular and “vibrant” hair colors aka. Bleached, and red. Most Koreans seem to prefer natural shades. Gangnam, on the other hand, pretty much supports every stereotype that a foreigner would have about Korean fashion. Aside from the incredible amount of plastic surgery seen in Gangnam, most Korean women walk around carrying designer handbags, dressed from head to toe in tight, expensive, dresses with chunky jewelry hanging around their necks and wrists.
However, all these variations in fashion do not apply to the general ajuma population. Aside from the upper class, most older ladies in Korea follow the “I'll wear whatever is comfortable” rule in fashion. They wear loose pants and some sort of jacket or sweater, often paired with house sandals and a hat.
I have to say that I pay much less attention to men’s fashion in Korea, other than the fact that men wear really tight jeans here… And very interesting sandals…
One thing that I really do like about Korean fashion, besides how classy it is most of the time, is that unisex clothing is very widely accepted. I’ve seen men and women wearing the same clothes, including the pants that the ajumas wear.
I know that Korea is a very conservative country, and it has been only forty or so years since girls had the length of their skirts measured in order to ensure it came to the knee, but the fashion here really seems to reflect the combination of ages. Most Korean’s wouldn’t even think about walking around in a halter-top, or dying their hair vibrant colors, yet Korea is at the forefront of fashion in Asia. There is a large value on presenting yourself well; a value which I think is highly undermined in the states, especially among college students. I’m not sure that I will ever be able to wear sweatpants to class again… haha. Living in Korea makes me want to try a little harder every morning so I can put forward a good first impression.
I know that Korea is a very conservative country, and it has been only forty or so years since girls had the length of their skirts measured in order to ensure it came to the knee, but the fashion here really seems to reflect the combination of ages. Most Korean’s wouldn’t even think about walking around in a halter-top, or dying their hair vibrant colors, yet Korea is at the forefront of fashion in Asia. There is a large value on presenting yourself well; a value which I think is highly undermined in the states, especially among college students. I’m not sure that I will ever be able to wear sweatpants to class again… haha. Living in Korea makes me want to try a little harder every morning so I can put forward a good first impression.
Celebrating the Fourth Abroad!
This past Friday was fourth of July, and Christina and I were determined to celebrate it American style. So, we went to the most “American” location in Seoul. Itaewan. We walked around the Army base (its massive), and explored the district a bit more than we did on our last visit. We were also able to find the delicious restaurant we ate at last time! I ordered the same soup, and didn’t burn my mouth this time! It was definitely as good as I remembered :) While we were walking around Itaewon looking for American’s to help us find the fireworks, we ran across a group of American soldiers with flags sticking out of their backpacks. I’m not sure if this happens everywhere abroad, or if it was because it was American independence day, but we quickly became friends and agreed to meet up in Hongdae children’s park later that night. Hongdae children’s park is pretty well known as a hot spot for Korean artists and performers. However, when we arrived there was very little going on. Two rappers were performing in one corner of the park, and a magician came later, however we were told that usually there are some drummers and more singers/dancers to watch so we plan to go back again before we leave Korea. There were also a lot of foreigners in the park! Our friends were completely decked out in America gear, so many people approached us haha, and we met a lot of French, Swedish, and British people. Everyone was very friendly and it was interesting to get to know the general foreigner ideas of America… All in all it was a very fun Fourth of July abroad! Christina and I may or may not have fully committed to experiencing all of Hongdae and completed the late/early night/morning with some old fashioned, greasy (but delicious!) American pizza.
This weekend we are headed out to the Eco Institute in the south west coast of Korea! I am excited to visit this landmark that promotes conservation and preservation of the environment! The architecture reminds me a lot of the Valencia Arts and Science Center in Spain with its large glass domes, and interconnected buildings!
This past Friday was fourth of July, and Christina and I were determined to celebrate it American style. So, we went to the most “American” location in Seoul. Itaewan. We walked around the Army base (its massive), and explored the district a bit more than we did on our last visit. We were also able to find the delicious restaurant we ate at last time! I ordered the same soup, and didn’t burn my mouth this time! It was definitely as good as I remembered :) While we were walking around Itaewon looking for American’s to help us find the fireworks, we ran across a group of American soldiers with flags sticking out of their backpacks. I’m not sure if this happens everywhere abroad, or if it was because it was American independence day, but we quickly became friends and agreed to meet up in Hongdae children’s park later that night. Hongdae children’s park is pretty well known as a hot spot for Korean artists and performers. However, when we arrived there was very little going on. Two rappers were performing in one corner of the park, and a magician came later, however we were told that usually there are some drummers and more singers/dancers to watch so we plan to go back again before we leave Korea. There were also a lot of foreigners in the park! Our friends were completely decked out in America gear, so many people approached us haha, and we met a lot of French, Swedish, and British people. Everyone was very friendly and it was interesting to get to know the general foreigner ideas of America… All in all it was a very fun Fourth of July abroad! Christina and I may or may not have fully committed to experiencing all of Hongdae and completed the late/early night/morning with some old fashioned, greasy (but delicious!) American pizza.
This weekend we are headed out to the Eco Institute in the south west coast of Korea! I am excited to visit this landmark that promotes conservation and preservation of the environment! The architecture reminds me a lot of the Valencia Arts and Science Center in Spain with its large glass domes, and interconnected buildings!
Some research!
We are now on the second week of our experiment! After exploring more of campus to collect waterstriders! (We had a map this time so we didn’t get lost!), we explored an old abandoned swimming pool that hosted a population of the smallest water strider species, aka. The hardest species to find because they only thrive in waters where there are few predators. We took our two main research assistants along on the adventure, and visited the spot where I fell in last time. I definitely learned my lesson! No more impromptu swims for me! On a slightly related note, we keep getting more research assistants haha, we gained another assistant last week as well. He is very English shy, but it will be fun to work with him as well!
Research is getting pretty intense now. Christina and I are generally pulling 50hr weeks, Tuesdays and Fridays are the busiest! We have to work long hours to complete each experiment! We had to make a few adjustments to this week’s experimental design, hopefully (fingers crossed) everything looks good now, and we are able to proceed further! One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in regards to our experiment has been water strider mortality. We were advised to apply the glue on the backs of the water striders with care in order not to block their spiracles, which prevents oxygen from flowing into the body and replenishing the O2 in the organs of the water strider. However, we are still having problems with the weighted male and female water striders drowning before the end of the experiment. With research picking up and getting more interesting the summer is moving by quickly!
We are now on the second week of our experiment! After exploring more of campus to collect waterstriders! (We had a map this time so we didn’t get lost!), we explored an old abandoned swimming pool that hosted a population of the smallest water strider species, aka. The hardest species to find because they only thrive in waters where there are few predators. We took our two main research assistants along on the adventure, and visited the spot where I fell in last time. I definitely learned my lesson! No more impromptu swims for me! On a slightly related note, we keep getting more research assistants haha, we gained another assistant last week as well. He is very English shy, but it will be fun to work with him as well!
Research is getting pretty intense now. Christina and I are generally pulling 50hr weeks, Tuesdays and Fridays are the busiest! We have to work long hours to complete each experiment! We had to make a few adjustments to this week’s experimental design, hopefully (fingers crossed) everything looks good now, and we are able to proceed further! One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in regards to our experiment has been water strider mortality. We were advised to apply the glue on the backs of the water striders with care in order not to block their spiracles, which prevents oxygen from flowing into the body and replenishing the O2 in the organs of the water strider. However, we are still having problems with the weighted male and female water striders drowning before the end of the experiment. With research picking up and getting more interesting the summer is moving by quickly!
That’s all for this week folks, I’ve been pretty sick all week. I think I’ve caught some Korean flu, and its time to rest up before work early tomorrow morning! Till next week :)