A budget hanbok

Here’s this week’s tip on Korean language and customs:

Q:
My husband and I love the hanbok, the Korean national costume, and we’re thinking of getting one each for ourselves while staying in Korea. But there are too many out there, from the very cheap-looking souvenir kind sold in market streets to very expensive boutique varieties. Is there any way we can get reasonably well-made hanbok for under $200 each? What are the simple things to look for?

A:
A well-made hanbok is made with fine, naturally dyed silk accessorized with Korean embroidery or semi-precious pendants, while cheap ones are made with polyester or nylon-blend fabric and fake gold filigree.

The best place to find a well-made hanbok under budget is the second floor of Dongdaemun Jonghap Sijang (market), right next to Dongdaemun, but you will need a translator. Upon consultation, shopkeepers there will offer you options in materials, colors and embellishments, or you can buy a ready-made hanbok, if the size is right and it is a good fit. These days, hanbok tend to be minimal in design with a slightly longer jacket length, while colors tend to be more subdued, such as mauve, olive green or teal (greenish blue).