Welcome to my journey as an exchange student in South Korea at the prestigious school of Yonsei University! For the next couple of months, I will be creating a series of articles sharing the fascinating aspects of South Korean culture that I’ve noticed while studying abroad, starting with their fashion!
Hallyu: “The Korean Wave” that has taken the world by storm
South Korea is one of the leading Asian countries setting fashion trends on an international scale. They have become a powerhouse in the fashion world by permeating the globe with K-drama, K-pop, and K-beauty. Due to the global takeover of Korean music from K-pop idol groups, such as BTS, Blackpink, Twice, and many more. They have gained millions of loyal fans from around the world that have learned to appreciate Korean culture, including their unique fashion.
Popular Korean Fashion Trends
Back in the states, I’ve only seen Korean fashion styles online through my favorite K-pop idols, however, everything changed when I started my journey abroad in South Korea! When I first came, I was mesmerized by the different styles people wore here from street style to business casual to a combination of both! I fell in love with the affordable clothing pieces here so much that my wallet is crying due to how much I spend on clothes. From department stores to street shops, I’ve noticed repetitive fashion pieces that I am definitely bringing back to the states!
Knitted cardigans with floral design
Florals are a must-have closet essential! With the hot and humid weather, a light cardigan with floral designs is a cute add-on to any outfit.
Cardigan + tank combo set
Layering is a popular style in South Korean fashion, especially with light cardigans and tank tops! I’ve also seen many dresses paired with sweaters. Many clothing stores sell them as sets and for a very affordable price!
Tote bags
Compared to the states, tote bags are very popular in South Korea! They’re able to hold more in a bag, therefore, it’s more convenient to have rather than a small handbag. In most stores I’ve been in, there’s always a section of good-quality tote bags that could last for years!
Platform shoes
It’s the heels minus the foot pain! Platform shoes enhance your outfit by literally elevating your look! Fila is a popular brand to buy platform shoes here in South Korea!
Long skirts
Long skirts with a tucked-in top are a popular outfit I’ve constantly seen on the streets! Although I haven’t found one that fits me just right, I’m sure I will soon due to the variety of selections they have at department stores! It’s an effortless outfit that’ll help us get through the summer heat!
Western vs Korean fashion
Being born and raised in California, showing skin was a normal part of my daily life due to the amazing warm weather the bay area offered along with being surrounded by diverse cultures. Coming to Korea, I needed a complete wardrobe change! South Korean clothes are much more conservative compared to western fashion. In western fashion, showing skin in more than one part of the body is normal, such as wearing a combination of crop top and shorts. On the contrary, Korean fashion for women focuses more on one part of the body: the legs. While walking down the streets of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, I’ve noticed that many natives cover their upper body much more than their lower body. Although they don’t show much, having a slim figure and long legs is a beauty standard in Korean culture. Therefore, many women wear shorts and/or skirts, while wearing platform shoes to accentuate their legs. These two fashion cultures are very different, however, both have a unique beauty to them. They allow people to express themselves through their clothing styles, so everyone can walk in confidence!
Fashion is an ever-changing consolidation of different cultures! Being in South Korea has opened my eyes to a new fashion style that I will continue to wear even after my studying abroad journey. I love expressing myself through clothing, and I believe I have found a new way of self-expression here in South Korea. I hope you gained some insight into the Korean fashion world and got some inspiration for your next outfits! I look forward to sharing many more lessons I gain out of this amazing experience while studying abroad!