Monthly TOEFL Essay #1: The Hanbok

[Essay Prompt #1]

Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other countries to adopt. Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples.

   Many Korean customs are receiving spotlights from around the world, such as bibimbap, kimchi and ondol. People from different cultures have begun to recognize the amazing scientific mechanisms involved in these customs and health benefits of Korean traditions. Aside from customs that are already well-known, one tradition that has become very popular recently is Hanbok, the traditional clothing of Korea. Prominent fashion designers have begun to include modern hanboks in their collections, and nowadays, there are quite a few famous hanbok designers respected in the field of fashion globally such as Lee Young Hee. Hanbok should be adopted in other cultures for its beauty, comfort, and style.

   To begin with, hanbok is a beautiful clothing, which is composed of a variety of colorful fabrics. Usually, it is woven with natural dyed fabric. The colors of the natural dyes are easy on our eyes, unlike synthetic colors that can be dazzling. Hanbok is usually woven with silk, or sometimes burlap or moshi. The texture of such fabrics are unique and has a shine that makes the fabric look glossy. Slightly sheer, when sheets of silk are overlapped, the silk looks darker than it is. Naturally overlapping fabrics result in a mix of darker and lighter regions, expressing delicate and soft colors that cannot be expressed by dyes or any other means. Its texture and color is luxurious.

   Furthermore, it is a very comfortable clothing. Korean ancestors have worn hanbok even while working in the fields. It was the everyday clothing. Hanbok does not stick to the body, nor does it reveal body shape explicitly. Relaxed fit allows a wide movement range which makes hanbok suitable to all kinds of places and situations. Although the fit is relaxed, the clothing is not like a huge fabric bag where only the head can be seen. 

   Thirdly, hanbok is not an outdated clothing. Hanbok does not have a strict form which allows it to be creatively redesigned. Many people still wear hanbok these days in the modern form, such as students of KMLA who wear hanbok as their school uniform. Although it is mandatory to wear the uniform, majority of students are satisfied with the clothing because it does not hinder with everyday activities and it is not so old-fashioned. Even foreign teachers in KMLA from various countries wear them without complaints, because it is redesigned to fit modern people's style as well as comfort.

   To sum up, hanbok is a great Korean custom to be adopted globally. It is not an outdated traditional clothing but fashionable, having unique texture and natural colors. Also, it is suitable to wear everyday because it is comfortable. Globalization of hanbok would surely positively influence other cultures.