Chogakbo Pattern

In the period of the Yi Dynasty, our ancestors saved tens and hundreds scraps of cloth left over and quilted them together to create wrapping clothes or covers called CHOGAKBO.  Now we take the unique shape and outstanding beauty of CHOGAKBO and applied them to modern style, creating scarf, necktie, and other miscellaneous goods.

I just returned from a business trip to Korea, but I didn't have time to visit Mr. Bo and get a new suit (only a week trip).  I did have time to do some shopping in Seoul in Itaewon.  Had a great time wandering around buying trinkets for the girls, and I picked myself up a Chogakbo patterned tie.  The tie is made up of thousands of patches of silk sewn together.  I've no idea where I bought the tie (I should have taken a picture of the shop) but hope I can find the shop and buy another when I get back to Seoul....

This makes me so sad to see this kind of thing.  To think that a few months ago, a few of my work buddies took a walk down to see the Gate one night.  It really was odd, in that you could walk right up to the gate, at 11pm at night.  It was more an open park, no fences or anything.  Just a giant traffic circle around the outside, and a few tourists.  I took a few good pictures (I wasn't carrying my camera, so while they went 'juicy', I walked back to get my camera and a few pictures.)  That was the end of our trip (I was going home that day) and we had just came over from Pyongtaek-City --- 50 some miles, but 3-4 hours in Asian traffic.   I really didn't want to go out and see anything, but now I am glad I did.

SEOUL, South Korea — The destruction in a fire of the 600-year-old southern gate to what was once the walled city of Seoul, a landmark that survived foreign invasions and wars to be designated South Korea’s top national treasure, has shocked the nation.

A 69-year-old man suspected of setting the fire was arrested Monday night on Kanghwa Island, west of Seoul, The Associated Press reported the police as saying. The man was identified only by his family name, Chae.

South Korean Gate Destroyed in Fire - New York Times

Here are a few pictures I got that night in October

Just got a Christmas card from my Korean Tailor, Mr. Bo's GQ!  I've bought a handful from him, so I'm probably a good client.  They are well made, and when I upgraded to a better fabric, I really like the jackets.  He was a bit rushed last time (Even though I told him which day I was leaving, I don't think it was done in time -- you can tell that some of the stitches aren't up to snuff...)  Nonetheless, I love the jackets, and will probably get another one when I go back -- you just can't beat a garment that is made exactly for you....

Next time you go to Osan Air Force Base, or are in Pyongtaek-City,  stop and tell Mr. Bo I sent you...(although he still won't give me a discount).  It's right out the front gate, about 2 blocks down on the left, across from Golden Gate and The Sting.

Mr. Bo's G.Q. custom tailoring.

Mr. Bo's G.Q tailor make Mr. Andy more look G.Q!  Last time I was TDY, I picked up a tailored sport coat and suit from Mr. Bo.   When you walk out of the main gate, the streets are littered with custom tailors who will sew anything (from Jerseys to stuffed animals to business suits) but my friends who live in South Korea told me that Mr. Bo was the best.  This time I picked an upgraded fabric, and was able to give Mr. Bo better directions on how to cut the sports coats.  He demonstrated the quality of the fabric by pulling out his lighter and holding the flame to the material.  He kept saying "pure silk" but I didn't know why the lighter showed that.  I said back "and flame retardant.  I'll take that and the brown one."

He was a bit rushed this time though -- I didn't get in to his shop until the second week of our trip, and so I think he rushed one of the jackets (all the threads weren't clipped off, and a few of the cuffs weren't completed) -- but no matter, the fit is still perfect and he did a much better job on the collar this time.

He did another outstanding job, once you have a fit jacket, I couldn't imagine buying off the rack again.  To get there, just walk straight out Osan AFB's gate, and his shop is on the right hand side before the first side street.  Highly recommended if you want to get a custom tailored suit while in South Korea.

Just returned from another 2 weeks in South Korea.  Busy trip with most of my time spent inside the office!  I did find a great gym located on Osan Air force base -- a short 20 minute walk from the hotel I stayed at right in front of the main gate.  Even after 3 trips over there, I still haven't been on a DMZ tour, or, for that matter, spent more than a few hours in Seoul!

We (Steve and I) did try to cut out early on Friday, to get a few hours in Seoul before leaving Saturday morning back to the states, but after a 5 hour cab ride in South Korea Traffic, we didn't arrive in the city until almost 2100!  We had a drink, and took a walk around the hotel.  We were 5 blocks from 숭례문 (Namdaemun,  Great Southern Gate)

This is Korea's National Treasure Number 1, constructed in 1396 and was finished in 1398.  It marked the entrance into the city but was partially destroyed by the Japanese during the colonial period.  We also took a stroll through the market which is adjacent to the gate.  The market has been in operation since roughly 1400, and had stalls and vendors which sold everything -- From knockoff coach bags (Steve couldn't find a good deal) to pig's heads (neither of us were hungry), it was for sale...

Detail from the Southern Gate's roof.

Went for traditional sushi one of the nights and it was not only good, the plates were so pretty!  I almost hated to eat the fish, well, almost...

What would  a visit to Korea (sideshow) be without getting a handmade tailored suit!  I went to GQ tailor, right outside of Osan.  I was not expecting very much, but he did an amazing job on the tailoring.  I've spent more on sweaters than I did on that suit, but I must say, it fits better than any of my other's.  I also bought a custom shirt.  I'm telling you, once you have a custom fit clothes, it's hard to wear any others.  The best is that he has my measurements on file, so I can order anytime via email.  Mr. Bo's GQ Tailor -- Highly recommended -- they do great work.

A while back I went to Korea (Anjung-Ri, South Korea) with Steve to do some work.  Anjung-Ri is about 60 miles south of Seoul, but at least 2 hours by car (The traffic is terrible!).

While there, I bought some celadon pottery.  Celadon actually means "green", but it seems everyone uses the term to mean "pottery from South Korea."  The glaze isn't quite green, but more subdued bluish and greyish green tones.  The pieces are very delicate, and if you look close enough you can see cracks visible through the glaze.  Pottery is difficult to photograph because of the reflections, but I tried to capture the shapes:

and

I bought a yin-yang shape, and a tea set, and surprisingly, they made it home in one piece.  I was there a few weeks, and was there for 'market day'  People lined the streets setting up stands to sell spices, fish, etc.

Something that was really fun was they took us on a helicopter tour of the area, that was my first time riding a helicopter, and the pilot really tried to "Make the computer geeks toss their cookies."  We pulled some negative gravity and 90 degree spins, but we made it out no problem.  They did tell me to duck when I was getting into the machine (not sure why)

Our chariot in the background:

I've been TDY for the past several weeks in Anjung-Ri, South Korea, and I feel like I've been gone for almost a month, oh wait, I have...

I saw this sign on the way into work in the morning.  The circle of life.

 Anjung-Ri is near Pyeongtak