For workbook 2 the process is the same as for workbook 1 - in that you are required to choose one of the discussion topics and build it from there.

Like the topics themselves you are not as controlled with regard to sticking to one theme. If you want you may start a new thread but be prepared that others may not join in. If this is the case then go back and join in another thread - otherwise you will not have the interaction with others that is required.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 1999

Answers

There are variety kinds of costumes around the world under the culture based, but I'm going to introduce some of the Korean traditional clothes. Korean traditional clothing is both brilliant in its bright colourings and subdued in its flowing lines and the way it hides the body shape. The colourful national costume 'hanbok' is often worn during national holidays and festive occasions. The designs and colours of the various forms represent the rich culture and society of traditional Korea. The traditional Korean costume, or 'hanbok' is a simple garment which is often enhanced by the use of personal accessories, such as small purses, folding fans or knotted pendants called 'norigae'. Some norigae are extremely simple just a flash of colour and a few tassels, but others are extremely elaborate, combining complicated knotting, jewels and beading. Among these, the three-part norigae is most common, another expression of the Korean people's attachment to the number three. Many combine three contrasting or complementary colours. The queen and all court ladies wore elaborate three-part norigae to all holiday events and celebrations. The three-part norigae worn at court and in the upper echelons of traditional society usually consisted of a valuable pendant, made of gold, silver, white or green jade or coral, at center and three strands of maedup knots, which often incorporated more jewels or silver or gold pendants. This three-part norigae, combining a small ornamental dagger and silver pendants, is typical of those worn by commoners.

The top part called a chogori is blouse-like with long sleeves with the men's version being longer, stretching down to the waist. Women wear skirts 'ch'ima' while men wear baggy pants 'paji'. Commoners wore white, except during festivals and special occassions such as weddings. Clothes for the upper classes were made of bright colors and indicated the wearer's social status. Various accessories such as foot gear, jewellery, and headresses or hair pins completed the outfit. 'Chogori' for females have changed over time more than those for males. The earliest versions went all the way to the hips and were tied at the waist. By the late Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910), they only went as far as the arm pits, with a longer front panel to cover the breasts. 'Dongchong' (detachable paper collars) help accent the woman's neck. Like the men's version, they are tied across the chest in front with a bow. The 'ch'ima' is a rectangular or tubular skirt with a high, pleated waistband. It is tied above the breasts with long sashes. By flowing over the rest of the body, it completely hides the female shape, strongly influenced by the Confucian society. Like the wide-legged paji for males, the billowing ch'ima allows a great deal of freedom for squatting, the preferred position when doing most household chores. A 'durumagi' is worn over regular clothes for warmth during cold weather. Although originally worn by government officials and royalty as everyday attire, commoners began wearing them for special occasions. Men's 'chogori' were generally longer than their women's counterparts, reaching down to the waist or even lower. Like the women's version, they are tied across the chest in front. The earliest versions of the 'paji' had narrow legs to facilitate horseback riding and hunting. However, a more agrarian society dictated wider legs to facilitate squatting in the fields. The baggier pants are also more comfortable for sitting on floors than narrower pants.

With marriage being one of the most important steps in ones life, the wedding ceremony has grown into a very formal and lavish ceremony, with bright, intricate clothes worn by the bride and groom. In addition to the clothes, they also wore ceremonial head gear. The groom wore a black hat, while the bride wore a veil covering her face until halfway through the ceremony. Additionally, she wore a long hair pin. The costume to the left depicts the clothes worn by the bride-to-be when the future groom delivers the ham to the bride's family. The ham was originally a box from the groom containing red and blue silk that was to be used to make a dress. It also had various other gifts for the family such as bedding, money, charcol, or food. The family would then offer the bearer of the ham food and some money for travel expenses. In recent years, the tradition has degenerated into the groom and his friends demanding large sums of money for delivering the ham, then spending all the money getting drunk. Modern wedding clothes are more subdued with lighter colours than their traditional counterparts. These pictures actually represent modern interpretations of traditional clothes. These days, most couples opt for a more Western style, with the groom wearing a suit or tuxedo and the bride wearing a white gown similar to those found in the West.

Traditional Korean clothing has its roots extending back at least as far as the Three Kingdoms Period as evidenced by wall paintings in tombs dating from this period. People of higher statuses wore much more ornate and expensive clothes than the commoners did. Certain types of clothing and special colours were reserved only for those of the royal family. Certain symbols denoted various levels within the government hierarchy. During the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910), symbols representing the wearer's rank began appearing on the hem of clothes. A dragon represented an empress and a phoenix represented a queen. Princesses and royal concubines wore floral patterns. High ranking court officials wore clouds and cranes. The colour gold was also reserved for royalty throughout much of Korea's history. Royalty, high-ranking court ladies, and noble women wore a 'wonsam', a ceremonial topcoat. The colour and decorations around the chest, shoulders, and back represent the rank of the wearer. The 'dangui' represented minor ceremonial clothes for the queen, princess, or wife of a high ranking government official. Among the noble class, wives wore it for major ceremonies. Royal families had gold trim, while others had plain ones.

Students wore the 'aengsam' as formal clothing during the national government exam and governmental ceremonies. The highest scorer on the government test received a special award from the king- a flowered hat called an 'aisahwa'. The person then had 3 days vacation as reward for his excellence.

Because of the diverse weather conditions, clothes have been made from hemp, ramie, cotton muslin, silk, and satin. Cooler weather demanded heavier fabric, lined with fur in the northern regions, while summer clothes used thinner materials that allowed breezes to cool the body. In the autumn, many women would wear clothes of gossamer silk because it gave a rustling sound while walking that is similar to walking through dry leaves.

White represents purity, integrity, and chastity, and was the most common colour for common clothes. The upper class and court figures wore clothes in red, yellow, blue, and black in addition to white. These colours, symbolize the five traditional elements in Oriental cosmology (fire, earth, water, metal, and wood). Dyes were made from natural materials such as flowers or bark.

Although most people prefer Western clothes like suits and jeans, the national costume, hanbok, is worn by many during national holidays. Traditionally, people wore white clothes, reserving colors for the upper class or during festive occassions. Rubber shoes and sandals have been replaced by designer shoes and sneakers; however, even these are removed when entering a house or other area where shoes are not permitted.

-- Anonymous, September 23, 1999