Hanbok fashion show!

Although the tension between North- and South Korea still is noticeable on the peninsula, life here continues with its day-to-day routines.



So also the monthly luncheon organized by the AFSC (American Forces Spouses Club). This time they offered a fabulous fashion show of the National Hanbok dress, designed by: Kyoungwon P. Koshi.

The Hanboks were shown by members of the spouses club. 

 

 

First off traditionell hanboks from the Chosun Dynasty were shown, with some incredible head pieces :) 

 

 

 

More then 80 members enjoyed the spectacular show!

 

Some background of the Hanbok

Hanbok (South Korean name) or Chosŏn-ot (North Korean name) is the traditional Korean dress. It is often characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. Although the term literally means "Korean clothing", today the hanbok often refers specifically to the hanbok of the Chosun Dynasty (1392 – 1897) and is worn as semi-formal or formal wear during traditional festivals, weddings and celebrations. The modern hanbok does not exactly follow the actual style as worn in Chosun Dynasty since it went through some major changes during the 20^th century for practical reasons.

Throughout history, Korea had a dual clothing tradition, in which rulers and aristocrats adopted different kinds of mixed foreign-influenced indigenous styles, while the commoners continued to use a distinct style of indigenous clothing that today is known as Hanbok.

Most foreign influence on the Hanbok didn't last or was superficial. However, in the 13^th century, Mongolian princesses who married into Korean Royal House brought with them Mongolian fashion which began to prevail in both formal and private life.

Today's hanbok is the direct descendant of hanbok as worn in the Chosun Dynasty period, specifically the late 19^th century. Hanbok had gone through various changes and "fashion fads" during the five hundred years under the reigns of Chosun Kings and eventually evolved to what we now mostly relate to as a typical hanbok.

So welcome to see some 21^st century designs created by designer Kyongwon P. Koshi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Beautiful fabrics were used!

 

 

And it woudn't be Korea if not an additional nationalistic feature would be included............ THE KOREAN HANBOK!

 

 

Back to the 38th Parallel

 I now have returned, if possible, to an even more tensed Korean Peninsula. I’m sure that all my readers are fully aware of the situation between North- and South Korea. When I with my foreign background look upon the situation it surely doesn’t make sense. None of it!

 

 

 

 

However, although the news is filled with reports regarding what is said back and forth, life here for none military or politicians, goes on as usual.

My first week here was filled with some social events, packing up, washing, ironing, getting flowers, writing and enjoying to being with Anders again!   

 

Same day I arrived we attended the "Icebreaker" function. Above with my friend Selena below.............

 

 

 some hotshots :)

 

 

 

 

    Dinner at Sables

 

    Which we finished up with a beautiful desert.

 

 

 

 

    After returning from Namdeamun time for my here in Korea affordable hobby!

 

 

Finnaly Jaeyeon is visiting Seoul!
And we got lucky for she could stay with us for a couple of hours!
It was wonderful!

 

 

 Checking up on.....?

 

 

 some correspondence but ....

 the best of ALL!

Together again :)                                                       

 

 

Boston and Cape Cod here we come…….

After a four and a half hours bus ride we arrived in Boston. We checked in to our hotel and went out for a stroll, a bit of shopping and a bite to eat.

Friday was dedicated to sightseeing around the city, we enjoyed a marvelous guided trolley tour and ”relived” The Boston Tea Party, something I surely can recommend to do if you´re visiting this beautiful city. It’s interesting and fun! Hazard!!!

Boston is the capital of the Commonwealth of Massachuchetts, and the state's largest city with an estimated population of 626,000. The city is the anchor of a substantially larger metropolitan area called Greater Boston, home to 4.5 million people. It’s also one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston was founded on the Shawmunt Peninsula in 1630 by Puritan colonists from England. It was the scene of several key events of the American Revolution, such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. After the coming of American independence the city became an important port and manufacturing center, and a center of education and culture as well. Its rich history helps attract many tourists, with Faneuil Hall alone attracting over 20 million every year. Boston's many "firsts" include the United States' first public school (1635), and first subway system (1897).

The area's many colleges and universities make Boston an international center of higher education and medicine. Its economic base includes research, manufacturing, finance, and biotechnology, and is considered highly innovative for a variety of reasons.

 
I surely enjoyed the many beautiful sights and of cause the wonderful company of Anne. Later that afternoon Anne’s sister Nell joined us and took us to her home at the Cape where we stayed for a few days. Also here I enjoyed the many beautiful sites throughout the Cape. We did some serious shopping, enjoyed the wonderful cooking of Nell had cocktails, snacks and a lot of fun.

Cape Cod is a cape in the easternmost portion of the state of Massachusetts. Today it is co-extensive with Barnstable County, and is defined by the towns along the Cape Cod Canal, and those to the east on the peninsula all the way to Provincetown. The Cape's historic and maritime character and ample beaches attract heavy tourism during the summer months.

Cape Cod was formed as the recessional moraine of a glacier, resulting in a peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Cod is one of the biggest barrier islands in the world, shielding much of the Massachusetts coastline from North Atlantic storm waves. This protection erodes the Cape's shoreline at the expense of cliffs, while protecting towns from Fairhaven to Marshfield.

On our last day at the Cape Anne’s oldest sister Roz came too and we toured with her from 08:30 until 18:00 while giving me background about the area, history and family roots.


During the past days I’ve been told many times how beautiful this Peninsula is during the summer and I could gather that, however, I must say I found it very attractive now, and did not miss the crowd and absolutely loved the shopping :) (maybe a little bit too much)

Beautiful Boston!

 

 

 

 

Reliving the Boston Tea Party :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Going for lunch at Quincy Market.....

 

A place "Where evrybody knows your name"

 

 

 

 

 

 Charades.... title of a book :)

 Changes :)

 

Sunday mass held by a fabulous minister!

 SISTERS!

   Ready for Oscar Gala

 

 Done!