Clothing plays a central role in most cultures, even if the members do not comprehend the full implications of their style of physical representation. Originally used solely as protection from the elements of nature, it has evolved to become one of the most visible forms of self expression that most individuals have access to. It betrays one's social status, their general level of income, their preferred tastes, and even, if we dare take it this far, their general outlook on life. One who invests heavily in their appearance most likely has a greater concern for a need of acceptance than those who are willing to don whatever is closest to their reach. While obviously impossible to make blanket statements about all countries’ manner of dress, a closer analysis reveals certain patterns reveal general attitudes about the role of others in one’s personal path of self acceptance.

The state of one’s appearance takes on a pivotal role in the Korean culture, so much that both men and women care equally about how they are perceived by others. Each student has their own personal mirror and comb, which they use multiple times in a single class period. The girls use curlers in the morning to ensure that their straight hair has just the proper amount wave to it throughout the day, and even the boys constantly adjust their hair so that it falls “just right”. My friend Nick’s Korean cell phone has a second purpose when not lit up: the screen becomes a mirror so that one will never have to be without a reflective surface again!

The obsession goes past one’s physical appearance to include a rigorous upkeep of one’s wardrobe. Fashion trends have never moved through a country as quickly as they do here. If any particular manner of dress has been modeled somewhere in the world, the Koreans will adopt it as their own, add their own twist to make it authentically Korean, and continue the style until a new and better one arrives to take its place. While almost all trends are accepted, very few people stray from what they already know will be met with approval. Yet from an outsider’s perspective, it seems as though the people of this country are willing to pay whatever it takes in order to insure that they look the same as everyone else.

I am beginning to wonder if ties can be drawn between the intrinsic values that the culture has purported since each person’s birth and the dedication to a collective faction. Instead of believing in the ideal of individuality of the West, Koreans believe that it is always better to be seen as part of the group than as a separate individual. All actions are undertaken only once they have been confirmed as not disrupting the harmonious balance that the culture strives to maintain between the various Confucian relationships of the people. Perhaps the obsession with their appearance can be attributed largely to the fact that they strive to remain seen as belonging to the crowd, and not as people with their own sense of individuality. Or, expressed in a different way, Korean people seek their version of individuality through the ideals that their culture has prescribed to them, and see their clothing as an ideal opportunity to confirm that they do indeed belong to the collective whole.

written by  Rachel in Korea! on October 29, 2008 from Seoul, South Korea
from the travel blog: South Korea, 2008-2009
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Rachel--you are such a good writer! It takes me back to the days of honors expos. when I read your work...b/c it was around then that I think you started to like writing so much!

written by  Mari on November 12, 2008

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Wow - what great insights into both the Western and Korean culture. I don't know that I've stopped to consider dress that much - I will have to begin doing so because you've inspired me to think deeper. Love you - Mom

written by  jbowline on November 17, 2008

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