discovery December 2016 / January 2017
Fashion & Beauty Hail the Hanbok Korean Fashion and Beauty: Then and Now Pretty in Pink Makeovers from A to Z Join Our Leadership Team
SEOUL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
Enhancing lives through Friendship, Enrichment and Charity. 1
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SIWA NeWS
President’s Message: Clothes make the man? Or woman?
Coco Chanel revolutionized fashion for women by designing functional yet flattering garments, high fashion and expensive. My favorite designer is Giorgio Armani; his designs have staying power. Then, there is Dolce & Gabbana; vibrant is the word that comes to mind, the wow effect! They create pieces that are classic yet fashionable and stylish. In an ever changing world of fashion, women and men alike have endless options to dress for success, special occasions and recreation. We use words such as smart casual and business casual to describe an appropriate dress code. In essence, what we wear affects our behavior.
CoNteNtS
I love fashion! Or as my husband Ki would say, I love clothes AND shoes. It’s easier than ever to follow world-renowned designers without ever flipping through the pages of Vogue or Elle magazine, particularly thanks to Instagram. Designs, colors, gorgeous thin models, and the entire artistic image exudes fashion. What we wear can certainly evoke the sense of beauty, confidence and communicate a certain message, intended or otherwise.
Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, is famous for his wardrobe, or lack thereof. He wears the same grey T-shirts, dark-grey hoodies and jeans. He has his critics. But he responded with an interesting answer: He wants to eliminate small-scale decisions throughout the day so that he can improve his ability to focus on the major ones. To drive that point home, he posted a photo of his closet full of the same grey t-shirts and hoodies on Facebook. Image consultants, on the other hand, speak about “the dark tones” communicating credibility and authority and bringing attention back to the message. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate for U.S. president, made pantsuits her trademark during her political campaign. Pantsuits are not my favorite, as they make me feel as if I am trying to look like my male counterpart. The U.S. media lent a lot of time to Clinton’s various shades of jackets and trousers. As the first female candidate running for the highest office in the U.S., did Clinton donning pantsuits help her command competence against her male opponent? Was she using her wardrobe choices to communicate a message to the voting public? Strong yet feminine? Is the pantsuit the posterchild for the egalitarian image?
Does what we wear each and everyday matter? Does it really say something about who we are and is there a message to be conveyed, intended or otherwise? For me personally, it matters, from Silicon Valley casual to Wall Street chic. Anne Choe
Reuters
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
Unwittingly, Mark Zuckerberg made the grey t-shirt an iconic piece of clothing for many and Clinton popularized the pantsuit for women; both are utilizing what they wear for effect.
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SIWA NeWS
Editor's Message On a recent trip to New York, Seoul graffiti artist Christian “Royal Dog” Chanyang Shim painted three of his favorite rappers on a wall-- Jay-Z, T.I. and Big Pun. His murals received so much attention that he was invited to California to display his talent there. It was in front of an empty wall at the Container Yard in Los Angeles that he decided to try something new. He drew a black girl and dressed her in hanbok, the Korean traditional dress. He says he was inspired by a simple thought those two elements would pair beautifully and uniquely together. His work, which he uploaded on social media, immediately went viral, where netizens noted the beauty of his work and praised his effortless celebration of multiculturalism. Since then, he’s painted more murals of black women dressed in hanbok and sporting natural hairstyles--voluminous curls, cornrows and twists-- in New York; San Francisco; Modesto, California; and closer to home in Gyeonggi-do, Korea. His Instagram account (www.instagram.com/royaldog_/), where he displays his work, now has 17,700 followers. Calligraphy and flowers, which frequently appear in traditional Korean paintings, are featured on the Seoul artists’ work. One mural reads “A flower has blossomed.” Another reads: “You will be a blessing.” Shim says he’s just spreading God’s message, which coupled with his art has brought tears to my eyes. “Every flower should be shaken before coming out. “If you want to be successful, you have to go through all the suffering and tough stuff.”
Monica Williams, Discovery Editor discoveryeditor@siwapage.com
M e e t
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
N e w
L e a d e r s
Heidi Hadfield,
Arcadia Kim
Lissa Miner,
Monica Park,
Courtney Snede,
Heidi relocated with her husband to Seoul from London i n S e p te m b e r 2 0 1 4 . Af te r teaching for 15 years, Heidi is taking a break from her career in secondary school education. She is taking an opportunity to explore parts of Asia while being a mom to Henry. Heidi is regularly involved in SIWA Moms and Tots activities and enrichment opportunities. Her hobbies include baking, keeping fit and traveingl.
Arcadia is from New Jersey by way of California. She recently decided to publicly avow her clandestine scrapbooking hobby for SIWA’s benefit by becoming the Head Archivist. She will take on the challenge of cataloging SIWA's diverse and deep history for future prosperity. Professionally, she has an MBA and has worked for more than eight years in the videogame and entertainment industry. Personally, she is a mom of three crazy kids who are now not the only subject of her photologging obsession.
Lissa is in charge of leading the committee to put together a slate of candidates for the next SIWA Executive Committee. She moved to Seoul from California with her husband in 2014 and promptly joined A SIWA. ASIWA Tour Coordinator, she enjoys exploring and collaborating with guides and hopes to enrich members’ experiences while in Korea. Lissa is also a quilter and facilitator for expressive arts painting.
Monica Park (Park hee-sook) is Co - Communit y S er vice coordinator for the Soup Kitchen at Anna's House. Monica has been volunteering for this project since last spring, and she will be happy to accompany you to the soup kitchen as well. She worked at kt (Korea Telecom) for 30 years, where she was responsible for global business including international accounting, networking and marketing.
Courtney arrived from the United States in July 2014 with her husband and young twins, and began volunteering with SIWA the following month. She coordinated the Spring 2015 Enrichment program while managing the Newsletter and digital images. As Special Events Chair, Courtney was instrumental in planning and executing the 2015 SIWA & Diplomatic Community Bazaar and 2016 Gala. She has a degree in international business and foreign language, and worked in communications for more than 10 years. Her hobbies include photography, traveling and singing.
Co-Moms & Tots Coordinator
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S I W A ' S
Head Archivist
Nominating Committee Chair
Co-Community Service Coordinator
New Website Project Manager
DISCoVeRy
Contents SIWA News
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3. President’s Message 4. New SIWA leaders 6. The Bazaar: What they Wore 7. Giving Peace a Chance 9. Scenes from the Holiday Party 22. Tours & Interest Groups
Fashion & Beauty
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10. Korea’s Next Top Fashion Designers? 15. Gangnam’s Real Fashion Police 16. A Tomgirl’s Transformation 18. A Model for Multicultural Korea 19. Weekend Stops 20. Korean Skin Care for Beginners 26. Korean Lesson 28. Pretty in Pink
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“My inspiration comes from the old hanbok that I experienced during my childhood.”-Soon Hwa Lee, renowned hanbok designer Discovery Editorial Team Robin Carney, Greta Tonnon, Monica Williams Contributors Ariane Amiot, Mhyla Borkowski, Vanessa Harper, Jana Hennig, Bockhee Lee, Do Eun Lee, Anne Choe, Im-Sung Young Graphic Designer Kyung-A Park Published by 10 Magazine Advertising Coordinator Kyoko Kawaguchi Discovery Photo Files All photos used by Discovery magazine, unless otherwise stated, have been provided by SIWA vendors or members and are the property of SIWA. Photographers who donate photos for SIWA’s use retain the rights to their photos. Contributions Welcomed! Discovery is published bi-monthly (six issues per year) by SIWA, with articles and content written by our members and associations. It is distributed exclusively for SIWA members. All opinions expressed in these articles are those of the respective authors and may not reflect the official position of SIWA. All rights reserved SIWA 2016. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent of SIWA.
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
On the Cover
For submissions and questions, email discoveryeditor@siwapage.com or go to www.siwapage.com/connect/discovery/
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SIWA NeWS
The Bazaar in Fashion Throngs of women--and men--flocked to the 54th annual SIWA and Diplomatic Community bazaar at the Lotte Hotel this year. Crowds were greeted by representatives in traditional clothing from more than 30 countries. What traditional attire the embassy representatives wear? We particularly were drawn to the looks from Bolivia, the Ivory Coast, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Latvia, which opened its embassy in Korea within the last year. Scarves from Egypt sold out quickly.
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
For full coverage of the bazaar, please see our February/March 2017 issue of Discovery. --Monica Williams
Photos by Youngsang Cho
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SIWA NeWS
Pretty in Pink Go, Team SIWA, go!!! More than 50 SIWA members, families and friends, including 11 children, registered to be part of the SIWA Team at the 14th International Peace Marathon Festival, which commemorates world peace and reconciliation. The race included people who ran or walked a 5K, 10K, halfmarathon or marathon. Every year, the city of Gangnamgu invites Seoul International Women's Association to participate, but this was the first year we had such an amazing turnout! The first marathon was held in 2003 to celebrate world peace by helping children suffering from war and starvation in Afghanistan. Sponsored by the Eighth U.S. Army stationed in Korea, the celebration was attended by diplomats and dignitaries from 98 countries. Today, thousands of people attend this event, which is always on October 3 or the public holiday called National Foundation Day in Korea, AKA Gaecheonjeol (개천절). This day commemorates the founding of the Korean nation in 2333 B.C. by the legendary god-king Dangun. If you missed out on this family-friendly event, save the date for next year--Tuesday, October 3, 2017!
Mhyla Borkowski, USA Proud SIWA Member since 2013 Vice President of Operations and Moms & Tots Coordinator
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
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SIWA NeWS December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
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As we celebrate SIWA’s 55th anniversary this year, we’ll periodically take a look back on some of the glorious moments from our rich history. This SIWA flyer, from 1999, shows SIWA women have always been stylish.
SIWA News
SIWA Annual Holiday Lunch 2016
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
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Fashion & Beauty
Like Father, Like Daughter
By Monica Williams
Meet HEILL, the dad-daughter duo who want to be known as Korea’s favorite designers Heill Yang and his daughter, Ines, were both clothed from head to toe in black when I arrived at their Seoul showroom—he in black pants and a black shirt embroidered with an image of his face; she, in a black blazer, shirt, and jeans ripped at the knees. Ines’ shoes, also black and white, are from the latest collection of their couture fashion line HEILL Paris. The black, perhaps, and even the name of the company is a holdover from France, where Ines was born and her father made his mark as a fashion designer. After graduating from schools in Japan and EMODO Paris, he worked in couture and readyto-wear collections for Ted Lapidus and Jean Claude Jitrois in Paris and as creative director for Paco Rabanne Korea.
Heill Yang
Ines Yang
After a three-decade career that has taken him around the globe, Heill Yang is home. He moved back to Seoul with his family to establish the fashion line in 2012, where he’s looking to make his mark on the emerging fashion scene, which they see as ripe for their taking. In recent years, the world is increasingly discovering Korean culture hallyu wave, has yet to include fashion, Yang says.
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
“When you think of America or Europe,” he says over tea, “you can name several designers .” To illustrate his point, he rattles off several Western designers who are household names. For Korea, there aren’t any, he says. In fact, when asked his favorite Korean designer, he comes up blank. While Koreans are stylish, Yang says, a lot of what is hot in Korea is borrowed from European or American trends.
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The SIWA sponsor wants that to change. “What we want to do is make our brand, HEILL, representative of Korean fashion.” It’s for that reason that he returned to his native country to launch the brand in 2012. Ines is creative director, working alongside her father in their showroom in Itaewon, a neighborhood with a large international and fashionable community where they felt most at home.
Fashion & Beauty
They may be on their way. In 2013, Heill Yang was chosen as Korea’s designer of the year at the 28th Korea Best Dresser Swan Awards in 2013. A year later, his label, known for its bold prints, was named “Promising Brand of the Year.”
For the spring/summer line, “I wondered: What would she wear if she went to Normandy?” she says. The Weekend en Normandie floral designs are inspired by lace and “not completely French and not completely Korean,” a signal to how she feels about her own upbringing. “ I’ve always felt between two worlds.” While she grew up in Paris, a perfect place to follow in her father’s footsteps, her parents encouraged her to set her eyes on another career so she studied economics at the Sorbonne. Despite her parents’ urgings, she later enrolled in a fashion program, keeping the details of her studies a secret for a while. “At the end of two years, I had to tell them I was studying fashion.” While Ines Yang gives a nod to France for spring/summer, her dad’s winter line pays tribute to New York in the 1930s. They aspire to expand the brand in other Asian countries but their goal is to stay put. “We know that the best way to promote the brand is to stay in Seoul and let it grow in Seoul,” Yang says.
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
The fashion brand is an amalgamation of father and daughter, encompassing both of their design sensibilities in a line for both genders. The office is full of antique furniture, favorite treasures belonging to the elder designer. In the adjacent room, much of the fashions on display are from Ines’ first collection, which she says was inspired by Li-Tsin, a dancer at the court of Joseon, the first Korean from the dynasty to travel to Paris.
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If you have the passion, commitment and are open to new thoughts, for serving the society meaningfully,
Join
SIWA welfare committee today!
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Write to welfare@siwapage.com or enroll at http://siwapage.com/join-siwa/volunteer/ and contribute to making the future of the under-privileged better.
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Fashion & Beauty
Promoting Korea Through Hanbok
By Bockhee Lee
“My inspiration comes from the old hanbok that I experienced during my childhood. I still remember the color and the texture of my hanbok. I wore it on a special day such as New Year’s Day or Chuseok.” When Soon Hwa Lee asks herself why she began studying hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, and dedicating her life to it, she always comes back to her childhood. Now she is one of the most respected and well-known hanbok designers in Korea and has worked on the traditional attire for 40 years. What we call hanbok originated in the Joseon dynasty but there have been various hanbok designs through Korean history. Lee’s designs are based on her personal beliefs and taste as well as the traditions of “Korea’s representative cultural symbol” that she’s working to maintain. She participated in the History Fashion Show, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Republic of Korea on Independence Day in 2015 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. SIWA members attended and enjoyed her amazing fashion show. A global promoter of the hankbok, she’s also displayed her talents at the Yeosu World Exhibition at the Kyunghee Palace and at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. She also has designed for the Miss World University Pageant and participated in the 100th Anniversary of the US Immigration Celebration Fashion Show in California. “I want to express Korea’s infinite potential to embrace the world” through hanbok, she told KBS. “To me, Korea is the nation, people and cultural strength that can surpass the world, and is displayed through the multi-colors.”
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
Bockhee Lee, a wearer of hanbok, has been a proud SIWA member since 2003.
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Among her fellow police officers, Lee Eun-ju is known for carrying a ruler. The 38-year-old officer works in the equipment management department of the Gangnam police precinct in southern Seoul, where she measures her co-workers’ sleeves, giving them advice such as, “you would be more comfortable if you adjust your sleeves about 2 centimeters (0.7 inches).” Lee is Korea’s first “designer police officer.” Last year, the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) recruited her when they were hiring people with design skills and it was through this that Lee became a police officer. The police agency started this special recruitment back in 2014 but Lee was the first to be hired. Lee’s responsibilities include designing and developing police uniforms, shoes, caps, belts and so on. Of course, she also goes on patrol duty and is dispatched to the field just as any other police officer would be. Before Lee became a police officer in her late 30s, she worked for more than 10 years as a designer in fashion companies like Benetton Korea and Shinsegae International. When Lee, who majored in textile crafting at Catholic University of Daegu, was asked why she became a police officer, she simply replied, “I just wanted to help others.” She added, “Rather than doing what I was doing, I was more satisfied when I was aiding those around me. A friend of mine who was preparing to go to the police academy told me they were hiring a designer. My heart started racing when I saw the word ‘police.’”
By Im Sung-Young
FAShIoN & BeAuty
Fashion police: Gangnam style
Officer Lee Eun-ju of Gangnam Credit: Lim Hyun-Dong, JoongAng Ilbo
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
Lee was worried whether she would be qualified because of her age and stamina. The physical examination consisted of five categories including a 100-meter sprint, 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) run, sit-ups, push-ups and a grip strength test. While it seemed like a daunting challenge, she thought to herself, “It will be too late if I start tomorrow. I’ll start today.” Every night after coming home from work, Lee ran about two hours. She also gradually increased the number of push-ups and sit-ups she could do. After Lee was accepted and attended the police academy for officer education, she achieved the first level in kendo, a Japanese fencing martial arts. Lee did not mention her goals to her parents, fearing they would oppose the idea, but when she told them she had been accepted into the KNPA, Lee’s parents were “happy and proud of her.” When Lee started her active duty as a police officer, however, it was not initially easy. She was stationed at a police precinct in Gangnam. During her placement, she had to subdue a drunken person who was armed with a lethal weapon and was also dispatched to a number of crime scenes. “At first, I was afraid,” admitted Lee. “But wearing the uniform gave me strength and it gave me a strong sense of duty and commitment to protect the people.” Lee has recently taken an interest in the history of police uniforms and foreign police uniforms. She is also researching new types of materials that could be used in the future. Lee also takes notes of her fellow officers’ opinions. “Unlike regular clothes, police uniforms are designed quite differently,” said Lee. “For regular clothes, you mostly think about how beautiful it should look, while for police uniforms, every single detail from the insignia down to pockets has to be practical and symbolic.” She added, “I was quite surprised by how many officers around me study legislation and foreign languages to be more helpful to people. I want to do my best to design uniforms that they would find comfortable and be proud to wear.”
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Fashion & Beauty
From Tomboy to Glamour Girl
By Vanessa Harper
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
I eyed her table at SIWA Enrichment Class signup. Who was this well put-together beauty advertising image and beauty classes? The next question was: What are image and beauty classes?
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I threw caution to the wind and enrolled in her class. SIWA member Justesse Gomis sent me a questionnaire via email asking about my skin care regimen. My answer was brief but included the words, wash, moisturize and sometimes. There were a few questions about style. If they were written in Chinese I would have had the same level of comprehension. I was asked to bring my makeup bag with me to the first class. At the time my arsenal included foundation, concealer, eyeliner and a mascara. Two of the four things in my arsenal, I used on a semiconsistent basis. Years as a tomboy followed by job after job in maledominated industries had left my feminine side somewhere between smoky bunker gear or a pair of muddy coveralls. My sweaty palms were a good indicator that I was a little nervous walking into the first session. They say you are afraid of the unknown, through this experience I discovered how much was unknown when it came to external beauty and style. Thankfully, I arrived at my teacher’s home to a welcoming, warm learning environment.
During the first session I received a crash course on what every woman over 30 should know to look her best. My host taught me the basics about conturing, the art of contrasts and that spending time on your skin is valuable because like anything if your foundation is strong you can cut the corners on the rest when you are short on time.
Next I learned eyebrows are art. In the same breath I learned that years of $10 wax jobs and overtweezing had not been doing my face any favors. Much to my surprise, the addition of one item to my makeup bag could erase years of questionable decision-making. Lastly, we thumbed through a big book of style. She asked me to pick out hairstyles that I liked. It was quickly determined that my personality would be better reflected with a few playful highlights and bouncy curls rather than my present wash-and-go into a ponytail.
I'll be the first to say it’s not who we are on the outside that counts but it does look shiny with a fresh coat of paint.
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
Almir Haseljic
For all the layers, blotting, blending and extending I left the first session feeling incredibly beautiful and surprisingly light. The typical beauty & style program with Justesse is divided in two 2.5-hour classes. I had a two-part challenge. For months, my partner has had a dream outfit in mind for me (shoes, dress, the whole nine yards)and because I was going to an event, I had approximately 3 hours to make his dream a reality. As he explained the challenge to Justesse, her eyes widened by she quickly regained composure and off we went. With every challenge there are obstacles, in this case the first one was we are in an Asian country shopping and I am tall, broad western woman. The clothes we were seeking were out of season. As the tears began to well up and my shoulders slumped in defeat my guru pulled THE dress off the rack and quickly matched it with shoes and a clutch purse. Style was the theme of my final session. It had the same undertone as the first one, a patient mother teaching her daughter how to crawl than to walk. The first thing I learned in this session is my color palate. The way this was arrived at this was fascinating and incredibly accurate. From there we determined my body shape, my current style and my desired style. My mind flashed to the original questionnaire, the Chinese characters were starting to be replaced with pictures my mind could understand and a roadmap of how to get there. Through the sessions I experienced a wide spectrum of emotions. It started with a little intimation and embarrassment, peppered with moments of insecurity but ended with strength, empowerment and self confidence.
FAShIoN & BeAuty
Vanessa Harper has been a proud SIWA member since 2016.
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Fashion & Beauty
A Model for Multicultural Koreans
By Lee Do-Eun
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
Han Hyun-min
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One could easily mistake him for a foreign model working in Korea, but his name is Han Hyun-min, born and raised in Korea. Born to a Nigerian father and a Korean mother, the 15-year-old first made his appearance in a fashion show in March 2016. Even as a rookie model, Han made an impression with his exotic looks. During Seoul Fashion Week last October, the young model represented 10 domestic male fashion brands, including Heich es heich, Chang Kwang Hyo, D.Gnak and Munn. Han, who is 190 centimeters (6 feet 2 inches) tall and weighs 65 kilograms (143 pounds), dreamed of becoming a model ever since he was young. One of his hobbies was window-shopping, admiring the clothes that hung in shop windows. From early on, Han wished to attend a modeling academy, but having four younger siblings made it difficult for his family to afford the two million won ($1,674) tuition for a threemonth course. Instead, he practiced his walking posture by watching videos online. Han’s debut in 2016 came unexpectedly, when the president of his current modeling agency, SF Models, saw pictures of Han on his Facebook account and contacted him. After testing him for a walk in the streets of Itaewon, central Seoul, the president immediately signed a contract with Han. The audition for Seoul Fashion Week was less than a month away when Han signed on to begin his professional career as a model. Once a week, Han received lessons from experts, and the rest of the week, he stuck by the belief that practice makes perfect. “Because I was like a clean slate back then,” Han said, “I absorbed everything like a sponge.” He added, “Sometimes I change more than 20 times in a row. I guess they thought it was interesting to see me fit nicely into all sorts of clothes.” Different colors complement different skin tones, which means Han can model certain colors better than many of his colleagues in Korea. Han was chosen as the opening model for for Heich Es Heich during Seoul Fashion Week in March. Han calls his current situation a product of miraculous luck, since there had been no place for a black model in the Korean fashion industry beforehand. But thanks to the work of famous black models like Naomi Campbell, Joan Smalls and Tyson Beckford, Koreans are being exposed to more models of color. As the idea of diverse representation has become more important overseas and in Korea, the barriers for models of color in Korea are also slowly coming down. “Except for the fact that people don’t talk to me backstage because they don’t think I speak Korean,” said Han, “being mixed-race isn’t that hard. I realize that I’m a very important precedent. More and more mixed-race models will be born, and I hope to be a good role model for them.”
By Monica Williams
If Purses Are Your Bag In fashion-forward Gangnam, there’s a shrine to a woman’s favorite accessory—the handbag. The Simone Handbag Museum is dedicated to the purse, the crucial assistant for most women.
Fashion & Beauty
Weekend Workshops
About 300 bags are on display at the museum, dating from 1550 to the present day. The museum is even shaped like a handbag. Start in the Historic section to get some perspective. Then move on to the 20th Century and Contemporary section. Most of the bags are European with a large number from Britain. Simone founder and chief executive Kenny Park spent 1 million pounds amassing the collection. The museum joins the Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam. The most expensive item is a red alligator skin Birkin from 1998 that costs £40,000 or about 58 million won. For something to take home, head to the basement, where visitors can take a stab at becoming the next Louis Vuitton. A craftsman will assists guests in designing and constructing a handbag, from cutting the leather to sewing the creation into its final shape.
17 Dosan-daero 13gil (Sinsa-dong), Gangnam-gu; 02/3444-0912; simonehandbagmuseum.co.kr.
The Perfect Perfume Aromind, Jongno-gu http://aromind.modoo.at
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
Why spend a fortune on a perfume that isn’t quite right when you can make your own signature scent for cheap? Tucked with the narrow alleyways of the 600-year-old Hanok Village, a treasure awaits. You’ll smell before you see what’s inside—150 fragrant bases and 20 different natural scents for you to mix and match and then shake and stir. In about two hours, you’ll depart with your own signature scent.
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Fashion & Beauty
Korean Skincare for Beginners By Jana Hennig “Korean multi-step skincare regimen? I’ve never heard about it, but what is there to lose?” That was my answer when a dear friend called me one cold winter day to discuss K-beauty. We decided to give it a try and support each other with funky stories and hopefully happy outcomes. Looking around in one of my favorite quarters - Myeongdong - I felt absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer possibilities and product ranges. Everywhere, beautiful stores were packed with cute and elegant bottles, tins and pots. How good those places smelled! The first product decisions I made were based on blog recommendations, but Korean skincare products focus narrowly on skin types and individual skin problems and goals. In other words, the product that works for Wendy may not work at all for Amy; it may backfire and worsen problems. That happened to me as well so I decided to go the extra mile. I started intensively researching for background information and dug as deep as possible (thanks Google Translate). I pestered Korean friends, studied ingredient lists, and researched what ingredients to use for what conditions and skin types. I tried to understand the benefits and analyse the facts from clinical studies. There are many factors that determine the quality and effectiveness of a product; snail cream A is not the same as snail cream B or C. So I learned about ingredients, animal testing, organic range, parabens, and concentrations because I wanted the best one. Today my skin is the best it’s ever been. I love my routine and Korean skincare products. Call it heavy pampering or me-time, the result is that my skin is soft, bright, clear, glowing, youthful and supple, and I can't imagine returning to Western skincare products.
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
Jana Hennig has been a proud SIWA member since 2015.
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A collateral effect was that friends noticed my skin getting better and better, and they started asking me what to buy or to explain the philosophy and how to do it. I helped them and then suddenly their friends contacted me, and finally even strangers started inquiring for my support. This summer, Korean skincare became my job. Now I am working as a skincare coach with women around the globe. I am spreading the word about those wellformulated and super-effective, yet affordable K-beauty skincare products. I am helping my clients find the right products for their skin, explaining the routine to them, training them to do it right and accompanying them on their journeys to achieve the skin they are longing for. Maybe we will meet each other on one off the skincare tours I am doing for SIWA. Until then here is a small overview about the most important steps of an average Korean skincare routine.
Please keep in mind that not all products are suitable for all skin types and skin conditions. Inquire at the shop before buying to make sure you buy the right product for your skin type and skin condition. Keep any allergies in mind and double check if the products are safe for you. For example there is a huge hype around bee venom this fall. If you are allergic to bees it can be dangerous to use such a product.
FAShIoN & BeAuty
The Routine
5.Toner
Korean toners are are gently formulated watery products that prepare the skin for all the products to come. A toner can also be called a softener, booster or first essence. Put a sufficient amount of product on your fingers or a cotton patch and distribute it gently all over your face (and neck).
6.Essence
Essences contain different active ingredients to achieve your skin goals. Use your fingers or a cotton pad and apply gently a sufficient amount of essence on your face (and neck).
1.Make-up
7.Serum
Remove your eye and lip make-up
The more concentrated version of an essence. Apply the same way as a toner or essence.
2.Oil Cleanser
8.Sheet Mask/Eye or Lip Patch
Use an oil-based cleanser to remove all oil residue. It can be a tissue, face oil, gel, balm, cream, or sherbet. It just needs to be oil-based. Massage in and rinse with water.
Use a water-based cleanser to remove the oil cleanser and all other residue. It can be a cleansing foam or water it just has to be water-based. Massage in and rinse with water.
4.Exfoliation
Once or twice a week use a manual (e.g. scrub) or chemical exfoliator (e.g. AHA peeling). Apply it to your face by following the product’s instructions, wait and rinse.
9.Eye cream
Dab gently with your fingertips.
10.Moisturizer
This can be a cream, emulsion or a sleeping pack. Heavy, thick moisturizers seal in everything that came before. Apply it gently to your face. Then have a good sleep and don’t forget SPF in the morning!
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
3.Water Cleanser
This is the moment to try sheet mask or a funky special mask like a lip smile patch. There are two huge categories of masks: Hydrogel masks, which are slippery but seal in everything nicely while you relax; and paper or cotton sheet masks, which are so light you can put one on and still run some errands. The choice is one of time and individual taste.
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SIWA ACtIVItIeS
Past Interest Group Gatherings
Anna's House soup kitchen
Anna's House soup kitchen
Anna's House soup kitchen
Infant Orphanage Anna's house
Working Women's Network
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
Korean English Conversation
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Photo Club's excursion to Tonguidong to Suseong valley
Moms & Tots visit to Yongsan Family Park
Moms & Tots Dongdaemun Shopping Spree
Unfortunately, we had three Tour Coordinators step down in December due to relocation. SIWA would like to thank Tours Team members Ines Hoehenleitner, Maria Seidl and Sylvia Schreiner for their time and effort in organizing enjoyable tours for SIWA members. Ines Hoehenleitner was Tour Coordinator for three years. From markets to museums to hike, Ines did it all. She also offered pilates classes as a SIWA Enrichment Instructor. Always very easygoing, Ines always had a smile on her face. We will miss her presence. Maria Seidl joined the Tours Team in the last year having previously served as treasurer of SIWA. As a Coordinator, she was famous for her bike tours. She brought plenty of good ideas to SIWA. We just wish she had more time to execute them all. Sylvia Schreiner was a Tour Coordinator for a year and half. To know her is to love her. She also assisted with the SIWA website. We will miss her expertise in historic and art tours. They will be missed by all ! We wish them well in their future endeavors.
Sacred and Historic Sites East of Dongdaemun
Ines Hoehenleitner
Maria Seidl
Sylvia Schreiner
SIWA ACtIVItIeS
Tours News
Since May 2015, they have: - organized 41 tours - pleased more than 300 participants - collected more than 700,000 KRW for the SIWA Welfare fund
Walk from Bukchon to Seongbuk across City Wall of Mt. Bugaksan
Korean Antique Market Dapsimni Baekje Kingdom Sites in Gongju
Interesting Historic Sites near Old Seoul Station
Baekje Kingdom Sites in Gongju
Guknyeongsa Grand Golden Buddha Statue
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
Baekje Kingdom Sites in Gongju
Baekje Kingdom Sites in Gongju
Guknyeongsa Grand Golden Buddha Statue
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SIWA ACTIVITIES
Book club Unveiling the Veil
By Ariane Amiot
In October, the book club discussed “Snow” by Orhan Pamuk. The story takes place in Turkey and refers to Turkish history and culture. We invited a Turkish woman to our discussion to have a better understanding of the novel and the setting and we appreciated her input. Even though the book was published in 2000, it is still relevant today. In the novel, Pamuk’s seventh, there is a coup d’état where government, police, army, Islamists and communists rise up. The author explains that foreign countries want to destabilize Turkey. Imam and Cheick are teaching, influencing students and people and presenting terrorism as the only way against the West, which is the Enemy. There are oppositions between the state law and the religious law that place women under pressure. Amid the chaos, an exiled poet named Ka finds inspiration and seeks love. There’s the unease of Turks who escape to Germany and come back. Nevertheless the calm is not yet coming back. Ka returns to Turkey and travels to the forlorn city of Kars to report on the wave of suicides among religious girls forbidden to wear their headscarves. The men are upset that women are committing suicide while they are killing one another just to make a happier place. “Snow” is the first Pamuk novel in which women are of noted importance. Our book club consists of International women, which is why we read books about different countries and from different authors. In September, we were in Czech Republic. In November we went to Nigeria, to Korea in December, in January to Italy, in February to Cambodia and in March to Japan. Join us and travel all around the world. For more information, email bookclub@siwapage.com
Book club readings: Dec. 9, 2016: “The Vegetarian” by Kang Han Jan. 13, 2017: “Accidental Death of an Anarchist” by Dario Fo Feb. 10: “The Rent Collector” by Camron Wright March 10: “Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his Years of Pilgrimage” by Haruki Murakami April 19: “H is for Hawk” by Helen MacDonald May 12: “The Interpreter” by Kim Suki
Expat Books “Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes by Robin Ha (Ten Speed Press)
December 2016 / January 2017 Discovery
When Robin Ha left home for college, she found herself missing her mom’s Korean home cooking. A student in illustration, she never learned to cook, however. It wasn’t until she studied abroad in Italy, where cooking is a large part of the culture, that she learned to make a few dishes. She began to get the same thrill from cooking as she did from cartooning and decided to mix the two. The result is “Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes,” a fun, illustrated cookbook on Korean cooking. Ha’s humorous and delightful one- to three-page illustrations provide step-by-step instructions on how to cook more than 60 Korean dishes from bulgogi dupbap (soy garlic beef over rice) to gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). There are also recipes for jatjuk (pine nut porridge) and easy kimchi. Born in Seoul,Ha moved to the United States when she was 14. Her book is inspired by experiences both in the East and in the West. She grew up reading manga and manhwa and later started reading French comics as a university student. After graduating, she started a career in the fashion industry. After working in fashion in New York, she realized she her talents would be best used in cartooning.Besides alluring recipes, this book has a great story, wonderful comics and the science behind the cooking.
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“Vintage Black Glamour” and “Vintage Black Glamour: Gentlemen’s Quarters” by Nichelle Gainer (Rocket 88 books) American author Nichelle Gainer combed through libraries and private collections to find photos of world-renowned stars who epitomized black glamour. Many of the images of these artists, writers, singers and others had been excluded from the mainstream media. The result is “Vintage Black Glamour,” a best-selling hefty coffee table book that features a gorgeous image of actress Eartha Kitt on the cover. (Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge and Diana Ross also make appearances.) The second edition, which was recently released, is a handsome tribute to men and features bios and images of stars such as Duke Ellington, Sidney Poitier, Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali and more. Gainer previously worked as an Assistant Editor at GQ magazine and wrote for InStyle, Essence and Glamour. She completed the second edition at Seoul’s Cafe Mcnulty, just in time for the holidays.
“Vogue Colors A to Z: A Fashion Coloring Book” by Valerie Steiker (editor) (Knopf) Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that adult coloring books are in fashion. This one, which covers magazine issues from 1912 to 1932, by illustrators worldwide, recalls the world of boas, hats, pears, gloves and headpieces. Readers can add color to the Art Deco patterns and letters from A to Z and the lively drawings of women dressed for the specific tasks. The book features a Vogue woman as liberated, stylish, and dressed to impress. --Monica Williams
SIWA ACtIVItIeS
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR
For more details on these and many other events, please visit our website: www.siwapage.com/activities/calendar
Are you interested in getting more involved with SIWA? Want to find out more about making SIWA an even better organization? SIWA is a nonprofit organization, 100% staffed by volunteers. Come to our Leadership Recruitment Day for a coffee and learn about the different opportunities to volunteer, both big and small. Current board members and committee chairs will also be there to share their experiences.
January 23 Welfare Committee meeting Are you interested in helping provide direct assistance to some of the underprivileged members and communities in Korea? SIWA’s Welfare Committee offers members a great way to contribute their background and perspectives in supporting local charity organizations. Participation is by invitation-only. To request consideration, please email welfare@siwapage.com
February 10 Book Club The group will discuss “The Rent Collector” by Camron Wright, a look at the daily battles of the people who make their lives scavenging recyclables at Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in Cambodia.
February 15 SIWA Coffee Morning Enrichment Networking This spring SIWA is offering the enrichment program in a new format: speed networking.
March 8 Annual General Meeting Join us for SIWA’s Annual General Meeting where we will take the time to review the past year. "We will be celebrating International Women's Day."
April 8 Save the date for the SIWA Spring Gala! Our charity fundraiser will be held at the Conrad Hotel, Seoul from 6 p.m. until midnight. An exciting evening of fun, sumptuous food, drinks, dancing, spectacular entertainment, raffle prizes, and much more await! Net proceeds from the evening support local charities in Korea.
January 19 SIWA Leadership Recruitment Day
December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
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FAShIoN & BeAuty
Dress-up your conversation with Korean vocabulary Parts of a Dress Articles of Clothing
칼라
kalla
Collar
바지
baji
Pants
소매
somae
Sleeve
티셔츠
tisyeocheu
T-shirt
단추
danchu
Button
원피스
won-piseu
Dress
지퍼
jipeo
Zipper
치마
chima
Skirt
주머니
jumeoni
정장
jeong-jang
Suit
청바지
cheong-baji
Jeans Winter Accessories
Accessories
머플러
meopeulleo
Muffler
가방
gabang
Bag
양말
yang-mal
Socks
신발
sinbal
Shoes
장갑
jang-gab
Gloves
귀걸이
gwigeor-i
Earrings
스타킹
seutaking
Stockings
손묵시계
sonmog-sigye
Wristwatch
Phrases to help you when Shopping 얼마 예요?
eolma yeyo?
How much is this?
깎아 주세요.
kkakk-a juseyo.
Please give a discount.
입어 봐도 되나요?
ib-eo bwado doenayo?
May I try this on?
그냥 구경하는 중 이에요.
geunyang gugyeonghaneun jung ieyo.
I’m just looking around.
Popular Proverb 옷이 날개다
os-i nalgaeda
Clothes make the man.
Compiled by: Sandhya Ramabadran Proud SIWA member since 2015 & an eager learner of Korean
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By Monica Williams
Fashion & Beauty
Hats Off to Scholarships SIWA members attended the ANZA hat party celebrating breast cancer in October. They had so much fun that they later signed up to attend the annual Melbourne Cup Charity Luncheon in Seoul. The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most prestigious annual Thoroughbred horse race. It is a 3,200-meter (2-mile) race for horses 3 and older. the lucky SIWA team chose the winning horse, Almandin, and donated its prize winnings to the Youth Education Scholarship fund, initiated by the Anin 2014 to help educate orphaned youths at the Mubeopjeongsa Yongin House of Youth, affectionately known as Big Mama’s. With SIWA’s help, ANZA raised 15 million won for the fund.
Tips of the Hat December 2016 /January 2017 Discovery
- Want to wear a hat? Get the outfit first. Then, find the hat that will fit it. - Hats can be decorated with flowers, feathers, bows and ribbons of any color to express individuality and creativity. - You hat doesn’t exactly have to be the same color as your dress. You don’t want to be too matchy-matchy. - If your hat has a pattern, keep the dress design simple. - If the hat is simple and elegant, keep the outfit simple also to maintain that elegant look. - If you want a funky outfit, keep it consistent accent the hat most of all! - Think about your hair. A close-fitting cloche may look better with shorter hair while floppy wide-brimmed styles may be better suited to longer tresses.If you have long hair, showcase a ponytail slightly to side or keep it down to one side to highlight the color on your face. - Wear hats such as fedoras should be worn low over the eyebrows, whereas shorter-brimmed brimmed hats look better when worn tilted back on the head. - Fascinators are become more popular. Smaller than a traditional hat, these chic, headpieces often seen on Kate Middleton fall somewhere between a cocktail hat and a headband. They are made from a disc topped with feathers and netting and secured to your head via a comb or headband. They can be simpler to wear than a hat, and won't mess up your hair. - Don’t wear a hat that’s so over the top that it blocks with guests’ views. - You can make your own creative hat, using things from around the house or garden. Also, you might find a feather or a bejeweled pin in a visit to Dongdaemun Market.
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Pink Power Want to look fashionable and give to charity? Check out the new pink #SIWAkorea T-shirt designed by our own inhouse graphic designer Irene Nuutila. To purchase one for KRW 10,000 email Robin Carney at vpbrand@siwapage.com. All proceeds benefit the SIWA Welfare Fund.
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