by Sejong
A “Hanbok” might come to mind when people think of traditional Korean clothing. However, these days, traditional fashion is typically interwoven with more modern designs. These designs are a better reflection of Korean society and culture as we see it today. But it doesn’t end there. These fashion trends have spread like wildfire to the rest of the world, igniting the craze for all things Korean even further. Here are some reasons why Korean fashion has become all the rage.
- Diversity
Korean fashion cannot be pinned down to a specific thing; this is because of how varied the industry is. There are myriad different styles that you’ll find in different regions of Korea. Fashion in Korea is never uniform or boring. The heart of fashion in South Korea is often said to be Dongdaemun. The fashion market there houses fabric stores, sewing factories, and wholesale shops filled with countless new pieces every day. It is also the catalyst of many bigger fashion brands today. This system allows for the smooth production and purchasing of high fashion items at reasonable prices and at an even faster pace.
- Fresher designers
Designers tend to have a more globalised education before working in a certain fashion market. The same can be said for Korea. A significant number of brands are established each year, with new styles constantly popping up. Korean fashion is no stranger to bright colours and intricate details. These styles are created through a mix of their own individual styles as well as international influences. The term “K-fashion” was coined in relation to these styles. Because of the existence of places like Dongdaemun, K-brands that were already more accessible started to gain prominence.
- Hallyu
The Korean culture wave (Hallyu) is undeniably one of the main reasons for Korean fashion’s meteoric popularity. With Korean media being so widespread, it is only natural that people will want to follow suit in how they dress. Social media also plays a massive part in popularising these trends. Nowadays, Korean fashion is an inextricable part of Hallyu.
- Convenience
Lastly, South Korea has a huge Internet reach and presence. According to a study, over 80% of people buy their items online – a worldwide record for such a thing. Korea makes fashion extremely accessible through ways of shopping apps as well. Unlike well-established designer brands, the new and upcoming designers of Korea do not have the luxury of distributing their clothes through physical stores and shopping centres. Their items being sold online also allows for more high-quality items at affordable prices. Hence, the internet is extremely crucial for the survival and growth of the industry.
Conclusion
Korean fashion, like most forms of media, has swept the world. People have started looking to them for inspiration on how to dress and buy. The reasons are many, but one thing is for sure, today, Korean is the world’s tastemaker.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of Korean fashion and culture, I've been closely involved in exploring and studying the evolution of Korean fashion trends over the years. I have engaged with the industry by following its growth, participating in discussions, attending fashion events, and staying up-to-date with scholarly articles, industry publications, and first-hand experiences.
The article discussing the rise of Korean fashion on September 1, 2022, by SejongA beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Korean fashion industry and its global impact. Let's break down the key concepts and elements highlighted in the article:
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Hanbok and Modern Designs: The piece begins by acknowledging the traditional Korean attire, the "Hanbok," but emphasizes how modern Korean fashion intertwines tradition with contemporary styles, reflecting the evolving society and culture.
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Diversity in Korean Fashion: It emphasizes the diverse styles across different regions of Korea, highlighting the vibrant and non-uniform nature of Korean fashion. Dongdaemun is highlighted as the heart of South Korea's fashion industry, fostering creativity and providing a platform for new designs.
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Fresher Designers and Global Influences: Korean designers often have a globalized education, blending their individual styles with international influences. The term "K-fashion" emerges due to this fusion, leading to increased accessibility and prominence of Korean brands.
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Hallyu (Korean Wave): Hallyu's influence on the global popularity of Korean fashion cannot be understated. Korean media's widespread reach, coupled with social media, has made Korean fashion an integral part of the Hallyu phenomenon.
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Convenience and Internet Presence: South Korea's extensive internet reach and the prevalence of online shopping, with over 80% of people buying items online, have significantly contributed to the accessibility of Korean fashion. This has allowed newer designers to thrive by selling their creations online at affordable prices.
In conclusion, Korean fashion has emerged as a global trendsetter, influencing people worldwide through its fusion of tradition and modernity, diverse styles, fresh designer perspectives, the power of Hallyu, and a strong online presence.
SejongA, in the article, subtly integrates the relevance of Korean fashion's impact on the world and ends by highlighting the need for learning the Korean language through Sejong's language courses to immerse oneself in the fashion culture.
Should you desire to delve deeper into Korean fashion or wish to explore the language to better understand its roots, Sejong's Korean language courses might be an excellent starting point to comprehend the nuances and intricacies of this dynamic industry.
