South Korea is one of Asia’s most Christian nations, with about 30 per cent of those professing a religion being members of the faith compared with 23 per cent Buddhist. Christianity arrived with fire and sword during the Japanese invasion of 1592, as many of the invaders were converted Christians. But it only took root in the 19th century thanks to China-based missionaries. Today, it is well established: the world’s largest gospel church sits in the heart of Seoul and red neon crosses illuminate the city at night. Korea boasts a variety of whacky Christian offshoots: some Korean churches blend the faith with native Shamanistic practices, such as speaking in tongues, whereas Reverend Moon Sun-myung presides over a religious-commercial empire. Up on the border, southern Christians frequently assist those escaping the clutches of a very different religion: Kim Jong-ilism.
Cardigan by The Inoue Brothers, jumper by Dior Homme, shirt by J.Crew, jeans by Post O’allsFather: cardigan by Haversack, scarf by Franco Ferrari from San Francisco Market, Seoul, shirt by Barena, trousers & shoes by Canali. Mama: top & skirt by Loewe, shoes by ChloéDaughter: COAT by Hermès, CARDIGAN by J.Crew, shirt by Kitsuné, trousers by Tomorrowland Collection, shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo, bag by Roger Vivier, bracelets by Cartier. Boyfriend: down vest by Rocky Mountain Featherbed from San Francisco Market Seoul, cardigan by The Inoue Brothers, shirt by Gitman Vintage, jeans by J.Crew, shoes by Vismin, bag by Porter for TrunkJacket by Kitsuné, waistcoat by TS(S), shirt by J.Crew, trousers by VisvimMama: jacket by Dušan, shirt by Tomorrowland Collection, skirt by MaxMara, ring by Chanel. Father: glasses by Persol, Jacket by Barena from Tomorrowland, shirt by Kitsuné, tie by Gitman Vintage from San Francisco Market, trousers by J.Crew, belt by Hackett, socks by Cnyttan. Son: jacket by Sartorio, shirt by Hackett, bow tie by Engineered Garments from San Francisco Market, trousers by Boglioli, socks by CnyttanJacket & trousers by East Habour Surplus, jumper by E. Tautz, shirt by Visvim, tie by Hackett, socks by CnyttanSon: jacket & pochette by Barena, cardigan by The Inoue Brothers, shirt by Oliver Spencer, trousers by Aspesi, boots by A.P.C. Daughter: jacket & skirt by Dušan, shirt by J.Crew, RING by Cartier, slippers by Johnny FarahFather: cardigan by Tomorrowland, shirt by Richard James, scarf by Hermès, trousers by Hackett, socks by CnyttanBooyfriend: Jacket & shirt by Visvim, bow tie & belt by Hackett, trousers by TS(S), socks by CnyttanMama: dress by Oscar de la Renta, earrings, ring & bracelet, all by ChanelFather: glasses by Persol, jacket & waistcoat by Haversack from San Francisco Market, shirt by Franco Minucci for Tomorrowland, ascot tie by Hermès, Trousers by Hackett daughter: dress by Gucci, necklace by Chanel, watch & ring by Cartier Boyfriend: Three-piece suit & tie by Richard James, shirt by Hackett, pochette by Breuer from San Francisco Market, watch by Panerai Son (standing): jacket & trousers by Barena, shirt by Hackett, pochette by Dunhill, Glasses (IN POCKET) by Ralph LaurenMama: top & skirt by Céline girl: dress by Salvatore Ferragamo
Korean Wives Prefer Christmas to Chuseok
Salvation Army volunteers collect for the poor; couples stroll under coloured lights and Christmas trees; Santas with Asian features caper in department stores. Yes, the Korean-style Christmas departs from international norms: although religious in origin, the festival is now primarily commercial. Korea’s traditional holidays Chuseok (Thanksgiving in early autumn) and Seollnal (Lunar New Year in late winter) see exoduses to ancestral hometowns and colossal traffic jams. They are a trial for wives, who are obligated to prepare big feasts for their families. “I am more excited about Christmas than Chuseok,” says Park In-ang, 37, a Seoul Catholic, executive and mother. “It’s fun and I don’t have to prepare dishes for my husband’s family.”
Models: Jang Sun Kyu, Park Young Jin, Kang Eun Joo, Ahn Ji Eun & Kim Min Seo Hair: Choi Si No Make-up: Lee Hye Young Photographer’s assistant: Choi Sung Hyun Stylist’s assistant: Cho An Na Production: W Agency Location: Rakkojae
