Spring is here and style is in the air. Here are the top five styles you can’t miss this season. No really, you won’t miss these! They’re everywhere right now!

1. The floral dress

I don’t think it’s possible to walk two blocks in Seoul this spring without seeing someone in a calf-length floral dress. It’s the one piece to have this season. Floral dresses embody the feeling of spring, with vibrant patterns and flowing skirts mimicking an oh-so-cool breeze blowing through your hair.

 2. Frayed raw-hem jeans

Irregular length, tattered hems because neat hems are for squares … or circles in this case (because leg openings are circular. Get it? Bad joke?). These jeans pair well with pretty much any kind of shoe, so the trend is bound to stick around until fall, when you can pair them with a cute ankle bootie, too.

3. The slip dress/slip top

Showing a lot of skin above the waist is more of a no-no in Korea. But not to worry, layering is super-in right now. Layer a solid basic under a slip dress to complete a chic, early 2000s look. Don’t feel like wearing a dress? Then a blouse version can be equally as chic!

 4. Exaggerated sleeves

Big flouncy sleeves are in and designers like The Studio K know this! Long gone are the days when too-long sleeves were rolled up to the elbow; now it’s a fashion statement for your sleeves to cascade beyond your wrists.

 5. Irregular button-up blouses

I’ve seen basic blouses this year turned into high fashion by simply skewing them off-shoulder or sporting them backwards. Whichever you choose, make sure to wear it with confidence!

Written and Photographed by Nailah @nerd_n_niceclothes

Must-have 1

Protect your peepers from the summer sun and add a bit of instant retro funk to your outfit with a pair of round, reflective sunglasses. We love this iridescent pair from Matthew Williamson, available with free international shipping from Shopbop.

© Alex Finch

Matthew Williamson Round Mirrored Sunglasses
Shopbop.com
USD 300.00

Must-have 2

There’s nothing more versatile for early-summer days and nights out than a lightweight hoodie. Choose a pastel color, or white, and throw on with a pair of ripped denim shorts and sneakers for a laid back evening chilling by the Hangang River. This zip-up version from Uniqlo is designed with ‘AIRism’ technology, especially with warmer weather in mind.

Uniqlo AIRism UV Cut Zip Up Hoodie
Uniqlo.kr
KRW 29,000

The competition was stiff, and only a select few have what it takes to be Seoul winter tested and approved. Despite the frigid temperatures, these items have beat the odds and found their rightful place on our medal podium.

And the Gold goes to:

 [box_info]Women’s Bow Bridge Parka

by Woolrich, WPstore[/box_info]

[box_info]Creme cashmere scarf

by Opening Ceremony, Boon The Shop[/box_info]

Silver medals recipients:

[box_info]509 El. side boot St. brown/green

by Blundstone (Unisex sizing),  WPstore[/box_info]

[box_info]Women’s coat by Acne Studios,

Boon The Shop[/box_info]

Bronze medal winners:

by Barena,WPstore[/box_info]

[box_info]Vintage cocoon coat

from Page One Thrift Store[/box_info]

Written by Robert Koehler

Through Korea through Her Birds (Seoul Selection, 2013), photographer, comparative and English literature professor, and “birder” (the trendy term for bird-watchers) Robert Newlin wished to do more than simply show off his beautiful photographs; he wanted to do something to protect a part of Korea’s natural heritage. “Migratory birds have suffered devastating loss, absolutely devastating,” he says. “The main reason I took up photography of Korean birds was to publicize their worth. That really was why. Because I saw something incredibly valuable that was disappearing before my eyes.”

Winning people over to birds

Given the destructive impact Korea’s industrial development has had on its wildlife, including birds, it would have been easy for Newlin to write an angry book. “I could have written a very strident howl of outrage over the destruction,” he says. But rather than rant, he chose to go in a different direction—to try to make readers develop an appreciation for the birds themselves. He does this largely through his photography—beautiful color frames that depict Korea’s richly diverse birdlife in their wild habitats. But he also does it through linking birds to culture and, more generally, the human experience. “I spent my academic career thinking about what animals mean to humans,” he says. “I’m very happy delving into, let’s say, literature or culture or linguistics, just to say, ’This is how we look at animals, this is how animals help us know ourselves.’ You know, it becomes extremely holistic in a way.” What results is a volume that’s almost an art-historical approach to his bird photographs. “I took them and now I’m looking at them and approaching them as if I’m sort of a literary, art-historical critic, discussing them,” he says. “These are the themes you see. These are the themes that, if you want to learn or have a more full-human experience when you’re looking at this photograph of this bird, then here’s some ways you can look into it, or look into that frame.’”

Getting around

Hailing from the American northeast, Newlin has been coming to Korea since the late 1980s. Most recently, he was a professor of comparative and English literature at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. He’s been bird-watching since the age of 5, however, although he notes he didn’t really get serious until he turned 7, when he saw his fi rst Rufous-sided Towhee near his home in Philadelphia.
One of the things he is most impressed with is how birds fi t into the overall design of things. Birds develop fi nely tuned strategies for what they do; this is not widely appreciated by humans. “Some birds fly nonstop from Alaska to Saemangeum,” he explains. “They stop at Saemangeum to refuel, to eat more, and then they fl y all the way to Australia. That’s an incredible trip.” When they hit the Saemangeum Seawall, they literally drop from the sky. “They’ve lost all of their body fat and they’ve lost most of their muscle, and in fact they’re beginning to lose bone,” he says. “The point is there’s nothing left, it’s calculated to the last calorie.” It’s a design that inspires deep emotions. “People have no idea,” he says. “Look at how beautiful that design is, how precise it is. But there’s also real living, loving, suffering.”
[box_light]

KOREA THROUGH HERBIRDS can be purchased
through Seoul Selection’s online bookshop
(www.seoulselection.com) or through Amazon.

SIZE 190 x 235 mm
PAGE 244 pages
PRICE KRW 28,000 / US$38.00

The stock list includes quality-made Korean brands such as Needlework, Eastlogue, Blackship, Moss Green, Labor Day, and All-Knit Works. The unique shop sign—designed by owner Min Jae-ki—is a testament to the shop’s American workwear spirit.

FYI>
T. 02-337-4022
www.facebook.com/pages/Storage-Co/409831225746517
(서울시 마포구 서교동 328-18 | 328-18 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul)

GO>
Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX), Exit 6.

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The hottest swimsuits of the season

As summer rolls around and the weather grows hot and humid, the only thing that can beat the heat is a cool dip while donning a swimsuit. So, whether you’re headed for Caribbean Bay or Busan, SEOUL Magazine has got you covered on the hottest suits of the season.

[box_light]TEXTURE[/box_light]

Add personality to your swimwear by considering different textures. Show off your bohemian side with a crochet three-piece bikini from Wonderplace or add some romance by incorporating subtle lace.

FYI>

Price: KRW 36,800
www.wonderplace.co.kr, www.sunnyvill.net

Reflect your vacation state of mind with an exotic tropical print. As opposed to traditional floral patterns, tropical prints channel a more mature and dramatic flair. We especially like these bright tropical prints from ELLE.

FYI>

Price: around KRW 70,000
www.elle-shop.co.kr

Monokinis have been growing in popularity year after year. For this summer, abandon safe solid pieces and opt for more color and print, like this refreshing colorblocked monokini from Forever 21.

FYI>

Price: KRW 30,800
http://forever21.co.kr

Add movement to your style with fringe details. But stay away from looking too Pocahontas by choosing a bright color, like this one from H&M.

FYI>

Price: KRW 25,000 (top),
KRW 17,000 (bottom)
www.hm.com/kr

[box_light]RUFFLES[/box_light]

The great thing about ruffles is that they are always on double-duty. A swimsuit with ruffle details can add a girly softness and hide the areas you didn’t have time to work out. This
festive two-piece from 8seconds is especially successful at accomplishing both.

FYI>

Price: KRW 29,000 (top),
KRW 19,900 (bottom)
www.8seconds.co.kr

Bring out your retro style with an underwire halter top and high-rise bottoms. This classic version reminds us of an easy summer’s day on an empty beach.

FYI>

Price: KRW 46,000
www.thebeachshop.co.kr

Things to know:
1. Many Korean brands sell swimwear exclusively at their innerwear branches.
2. Dongdaemun and Namdaemun shopping arcades sell wholesale swimwear as
well as larger sizes.
3. If you don’t fear online swimsuit shopping, check out sites like gmarket.co.kr
or auction.co.kr for a wide selection.

Seoul doesn’t lack places to shop. Whether you’re looking for dried seaweed, pricey Korean antiques, or the latest in designer fashion, you’ll find it in Seoul.

Written by Monica Suk
Photographs courtesy of various manufacturers

There’s nothing like getting your nails done for changing your mood. Available in five shades of pink hues and orange tones, Flora Tea Nail Vita Alpha is perhaps one of a handful of cheap nail polishes that can be applied evenly without emphasizing ridges. Don’t waste your money and time going to nail shops; Flora Tea will rescue you from your dirty-looking nails.

FYI>
www.theskinfood.com
Price: KRW 2,500

Be pretty in pink for spring. Banila Co’s The Secret Marbling Blusher pairs perfectly with the natural makeup trend. This swirl of different colors gives a natural look instead of a made-up one. You can use it either as blush or as a shimmery highlighter.

FYI>
www.banilaco.com
Price: KRW 20,000

Gel-type creams are perfect for all skin types but especially for extremely oily skin or combination skin. Nature Republic’s moisturizing cream glides on smoothly and leaves no film on your skin, giving you a refreshing feeling. If you’re looking for something lightweight to use under makeup, without a doubt, this is going to be your daily item.

FYI>
www.naturerepublic.co.kr
Price: KRW 10,950

TONYMOLY’s gel eyeliner is creamier in texture than other eyeliners and glides on your eyes well because it has no shimmer. Of course, it will smudge if you rub it ferociously with your hands, but the colored gel will last and stay opaque until you remove it with cleansing oil. This is especially recommended for people whose eye makeup gets smudged as the night wears on.

FYI>
www.etonymoly.com
Price: KRW 8,500

It takes a while to find a foundation that suits your skin perfectly, but Hera’s UV Mist Cushion will definitely shorten that time for you. The mist cushion is a liquid foundation with sunscreen, moisturizer, and whitening functions. This amazing all-in-one product is SPF 50, good to use in both spring and summer.

FYI>
www.hera.co.kr
Price: KRW 45,000

CC creams are receiving the baton from BB creams to lead the spring 2013 beauty trends. This multitasker is typically useful for people who don’t have enough time to do makeup in the morning. The new 8 in 1 formula primes, conceals, hydrates, and protects skin. You’ll soon realize that doing your makeup can’t get any easier than this.

FYI>
www.etude.co.kr
Price: KRW 14,000

Innisfree is known for selling highly effective skin care products at reasonable prices. Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence is the latest product to firm up this reputation. The main ingredient, fermented soybeans from Jejudo’s mountain area, soothes dry skin and prevents wrinkles.

FYI>
www.innisfree.co.kr
Price: 80 ml: KRW 22,000 / 150 ml: KRW 35,000

Korean-made goods to take home with you

Written by Monica Suk
Photographs courtesy of various manufacturers

Seoul is a shopping paradise, with traditional and modern commercial streets alike beckoning visitors. Your vacation here wouldn’t be complete without a tour of window-shopping and local snacks. SEOUL has chosen seven affordable made-in-Korea products to ensure your satisfaction.

Socks from Socks Pill

Bored of wearing white and black socks every day? Choosing what to wear and matching it with socks and shoes is perhaps one of the most irksome of everyday concerns. Socks Pill is your go-to shop for perfecting your style and making subtle changes in your daily routine. This Apgujeong-based select shop’s products vary in color and design and are packaged in transparent-colored capsules, which will definitely trigger a shopping spree here.

FYI>
Price: KRW 5,000–12,000
T. 02-511-4557
www.facebook.com/SocksPill
(663-22 Sinsa-Dong, Gangman-Gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 신사동 663-22)

GO>
Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Bundang Line, Exit 5

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Handmade high heels from Last Avenue

A woman can never have too many shoes. High heels can come in different varieties of color, height, and material, but the most important thing to consider is whether it’s comfortable yet manages to stay stylish. Shoe designer Reina Choi uses high-quality leather imported from Italy and offers heels at reasonable prices. Located in a back alley in Samcheong-dong, the shop is in a hanok (traditional Korean-style house) decorated with acrylic shoe materials. Choi recently opened another shop in Sinsa-dong that touts a modern twist on classic style.

FYI>
Price: KRW 138,000–398,000
www.lastavenue.co.kr

GO>
LARC (Last Avenue by Reina Choi)
Store#1 (T. 02-730-7807): 20-7 Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 삼청동 20-7

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Store#2 (T. 02-543-7808): #102, 651-5 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 신사동 651-5 #102

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Intense Care Snail Cream from TONYMOLY

Whoever said that beauty is only skin deep must have lived during a time when mirrors had not been invented yet. In fact, beauty is all about skin. While thousands of magic ingredients come and go, driving the local beauty trends, snails have taken over the local cosmetic business. This heaven-sent product is known to soothe skin and prevent wrinkles with its thick, soft texture.

FYI>
Price: KRW 36,000
www.etonymoly.com

GO>
Myeong-dong store no. 1 (T. 02-318-7871):
66-23 Chungmu-ro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울시 중구 충무로2가 66-23

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Handmade accessories from Hoya n More

Handmade goods are no longer limited to small markets but are making inroads into the retail market. Hoya n More is one of a handful of local small shops offering a unique shopping experience for high-quality and innovative handcrafted accessories. Best known for simple design and special materials,
Hoya n More’s selection includes dressy bags, clutches, pouches, necklaces, bracelets, and customized letterpress cards.

FYI>
Price: KRW 39,000–328,000
T. 02-517-0991
www.hoyanmore.com

GO>
[ho:ya] and more: 653-8 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 신사동 653-8

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Galaxy Camera from Samsung

DSLR cameras were a thing in Korea only three years back, but why bring that heavy machine around when you can use lightweight ones that don’t require you to move photos manually? Take a look at Samsung’s brand-new Galaxy Camera and you’ll almost ask if it’s a smartphone. The Android-based mobile device works great for travelers who want to update their friends on what they’re doing in real time. Shoot, edit, and upload all at once with this amazing compact camera.

FYI>
Price: WiFi KRW 590,000 / LTE KRW 690,000
www.samsungimaging.com

GO>
Samsung d’light: T. 02-2255-2272, www.samsung.com/sec/dlight)
B1 Samsung Electronics Building (1320-10 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul | 서울시 서초구 서초동 1320-10)
Gangnam Station 강남역 (Line 2, Sinbundang Line), Exit 8

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Premium tea from OSULLOC

OSULLOC is the country’s largest tea company manufacturing high-quality goods. Established in 1979, OSULLOC started as a green tea manufacturer and has grown rapidly since opening tea houses in 2001. From fermented tea to roasted tea and special blends, its products have built a reputation through their subtle taste that is light but full.

FYI>
www.osulloc.com

GO>
Myeong-dong OSULLOC Tea House (T. 02-774-5460):
47-1 Myeong-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울시 중구 명동1가 47-1

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Korean fried kelp from Oh Hui-sook Traditional Bugak

Bugak is a traditional snack and side dish that Korean people enjoy. Bugak is made by frying vegetables or kelp, lightly sprinkled with some sugar and salt. Oh Hui-sook, who is called the master of bugak, makes 18 different kinds of bugak with healthy ingredients including sea mustard, seaweed, peppers, potatoes, beans, and even garlic. Fried and coated with glutinous rice paste, it brings out the real taste of the main ingredient without its strong bitterness or spiciness.

FYI>
Price: around KRW 3,000 per individual bag
http://ohs.co.kr

GO>
E-mart Times Square Branch (T. 02-3468-1234): Yeongdeungpo Station 영등포역 (Line 1), Exit 5

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