Talk about making a fashion statement. If clothes talk, then Koreans must be among the most vocal in the world! Vibrant, colorful and alive – these are only some of the words describing the unique, modern-day Korean street fashion of the young females. I’ve had the pleasure of hitting some of Seoul, South Korea’s hottest shopping districts - from downtown Myeong-dong to tourist town Insa-dong – and it’s apparent that Korea’s fashion culture is diverse, quirky and sometimes bold! But never, ever boring.
At present, it’s their Spring season and the Seoul weather is generally warm but it’s the wind that can get really cold. There is even a special Korean term for the Spring wind that goes (in English), “The wind is jealous of the flowers blooming.” That is why – as their old folks say – the wind is biting amidst the lovely Spring weather. But that’s hardly a problem! As long as they dress accordingly, Koreans find that fashionable clothes also make good protection against weather elements. Their fashion isn’t usually found around our shores, mainly because our climate is very different.
Here’s a rundown on some Spring fashion essentials up at Seoul, South Korea:
• Skirts – This is Korean fashion staple. Skirts are usually well above the knee and even when it’s a bit chilly, the women wear thermal stockings. That brings me to the next fashion staple.
• Stockings/Socks – Korean women usually wear stockings to safeguard against cold weather. They have all sorts of stocking designs! They can’t seem to get enough of them. The styles range from the conservative, invisible beige ones to the hip, zany printed ones. I got myself a funky zebra-print pair that I hadn’t seen in the Philippines. They’re wacky and I’m loving them. Socks are also a fashion staple for those who wear rubber shoes. I noticed teens wear a lot of versatile Puma shoes and they pair it off with printed socks. From the streets to the mall shops, socks come in a variety of designs. They have a lot of anime-inspired socks, like Astroboy.
•Pumps – The ladies love their pumps. A lot. The pumps keep their feet warm amidst the cold. They’re also versatile, chic and always, always sexy. Since many women get around by subway or bus, they do a lot of walking. So they usually opt for a short and sturdy heel.
•Trenchcoats – These coats can be dressed up or dressed down. In the subway, the rushing ladies are typically in jeans and functional footwear. But at night, in the bustling hotspots, women are seen playing up the coats with knee-high boots and a glittery clutch. In both cases, trenchcoats spell class. ‘Nuff said.
•Dust mask – Okay, this isn’t really part of the profashional image, but it’s still a Korean essential. The locals say that at unpredictable times in the year, desert dust from China suffuses into Korean air, creating a hazy, yellow sky. They call it a “yellow dust” day. Many people on the streets can be seen wearing dust masks to protect their lungs. Desert dust looks like fine particles but under a microscope, one can see that desert dust particles actually have very jagged edges, similar to that of lahar . It is damaging to the lungs and the yellow dust air is harsh to inhale. So they opt for dust masks. The cutest dust mask I’ve seen on a child was a pink Hello Kitty one. I imagine other designs are available, as well, around town.
Where to go shopping in Seoul, South Korea:
According to the tourist guides and the locals, here are shopping hotspots that’ll warm any shopaholic. Mark your maps at these sites:
• Myeong-dong – Located in the heart of Seoul, Myeong-dong is a representative financial and fashion district in Korea. The main street is lined with large shopping malls, department stores, as well as all kinds of shops. The association of Myeong-dong shop owners conduct festivals twice a year to promote its image as one of the world’s best shopping streets.
• Namdaemun Market – This is Korea’s most famous traditional market and it sells everything you can imagine – seafood, houseware and toys included – and all at low prices. It is a must-visit if you want to experience a traditional Korean market where people haggle with good cheer over a good discount rate. It is entertaining even when you don’t make a purchase because it’s a bustling, meandering place.
• Lotte Department Store – There are many Department stores as well for high-end shopping. Korea’s top retailer is Lotte Department Store and they have luxurious branches dotting Seoul. It’s a glamour world in each Lotte Department Store – take your pick from Armani to Gucci to Prada. Or just window shop. You’ll still feel like a queen.
• Insa-dong – This place has become home to dozens of art galleries, antique shops, traditional restaurants and souvenir shops since the late 1970s. It has built a landmark reputation as the place where foreigners first visit in Korea. It reached the height of popularity when Queen Elizabeth II visited Insa-dong in 1999. If you’re looking for authentic Korean souvenirs, keepsakes and pasalubong, Insa-dong is the ultimate shopping site.
Much more can be said of Korean fashion and shopping destinations. Even though I’d love to, I can’t write it all down here. I’ll leave the rest up to your own visit to Seoul.
Meanwhile, I’m off to work in my funky zebra print stockings. I’m not a fashionista but I like variety every now and then. It doesn’t take the latest clothes or accessories to make you the queen of the catwalk. Fashionable is relative. Knowing what looks good on you, infusing your natural fashion sense with unique touches and carrying yourself with sheer confidence – those are what it takes to be a real profashional (pun intended).
