Hanbok

Hanbok is the traditional Korean costume. I have tried it on a couple of times, including at this celebration last month to mark the end of a Korean language class. The full version involves several underlayers and a tight bodice with a full skirt falling from below the bust. It doesn’t seem very practical, but it was worn daily by women until a couple of generations ago. It is now reserved for special occasions: there are rows of shops in the larger cities selling versions in all sizes and colours and prices. 

Lunar New Year is approaching, so supermarkets are getting assistants to wear a version of the hanbok in order to promote sales: in this case, gift packs of canola oil and Spam.