Wedding guest and office outfit culture

A hagaek look is the outfit you wear as a guest at a wedding. Neat, polished semi-formal clothing such as a dress, a jacket ensemble or a smart suit is typical, fitting a celebratory occasion. During the spring and autumn wedding seasons, shops promote plenty of outfits under this name.

White is the bride's color, so guests generally avoid white or very pale ivory dresses as a matter of etiquette. A white shirt or blouse worn under a jacket is usually considered fine. If you are unsure, choosing another color is the safest option.

The couple are the stars of the day, so it is best to avoid outfits that are overly flashy or revealing. Soft colors and tidy designs with a small accessory or two are a safe choice. Expectations can vary somewhat depending on the style of the wedding.

Male guests usually wear a suit, or a jacket with a shirt and slacks. Ties are increasingly optional, but for a close friend's or relative's wedding, dressing more formally is a good idea. Jeans and sportswear are generally avoided. Polished shoes complete the look.

Black dresses and suits are common at weddings, but because black is also the color of funeral attire, it is better not to look too somber. Adding a bright accessory or accent helps it suit a celebration. Older relatives may feel differently, so read the situation.

At Korean weddings, guests usually give cash in a white envelope, known as chugeuigeum, instead of a gift. You hand the envelope in at the reception desk near the entrance and sign the guest book. The appropriate amount depends on your relationship, so ask a Korean friend for advice.

Korean weddings are often held in wedding halls and tend to be brief, around 30 minutes to an hour. Guests commonly share a meal afterward, though the timing can vary by venue. With another ceremony sometimes following right after, things move quickly. Formats are diversifying, with hotel, outdoor and small weddings becoming more common.

Traditionally, both mothers wear hanbok at Korean weddings, and you will still see this at many ceremonies. Colors are often chosen according to family custom or current trends. These days, some mothers wear formal suits or dresses instead. Styles vary from family to family.

Your neatest outfit plus a jacket or cardigan is often enough. If needed, you can buy a simple dress or jacket at a department store or mall, or look into suit rental services. Asking the person who invited you about the wedding's style will make choosing easier.

Outdoor weddings may involve walking on grass or gravel, so block heels or flats are easier than thin stilettos. Depending on the weather it may be hot or chilly, so bring a layer. On sunny days, it is polite to remove hats and sunglasses during the ceremony itself.

Office dress in Korea varies a lot by industry and company. Finance and public institutions tend to prefer suits or neat attire, while IT companies and startups are often casual. Overall, business casual is said to have become widespread. When in doubt, lean slightly more formal at first.

Not every company requires suits, and many have relaxed their dress codes. Suits are still common, though, for client meetings, important presentations and official events. If you are new, check the company's dress guidelines or ask colleagues. Practices differ widely from one workplace to another.

Traditionally, interviewees in Korea have worn a dark suit with a white shirt. Recently some companies allow business casual or explicitly say dress is up to you. Check any guidance from the company first, and if there is none, a neat, conservative outfit is the safe choice.

Yes. Some public institutions and companies encourage or allow lighter summer dress without ties, often framed as a way to save on air-conditioning energy. Short-sleeved shirts and no-tie outfits have become common. Rules differ by organization, though, and may not apply to official events or face-to-face work, so follow your company's standards.

It depends on the company, but very revealing clothes, slippers and overly casual sportswear may feel out of place in conservative workplaces. Strong perfume is also best kept light in shared spaces. At first, observing what colleagues wear and following their lead is the easiest approach.

When paying condolences at a Korean funeral hall, black is the safest choice, and if you do not have black, other dark colors such as navy or charcoal are fine. Avoid flashy accessories and bright clothing, and wear socks rather than going barefoot. Some areas may require you to take off your shoes.

A doljanchi celebrates a baby's first birthday, and guests usually dress semi-casual or neat, a little more relaxed than for a wedding. The baby and family are the focus, so avoid anything too flashy. These days many families keep it small, inviting only close relatives.

Company dinners may be held at floor-seating restaurants, so clothes that are comfortable to sit in and shoes that slip off easily are practical. At Korean barbecue places, smoke can cling to clothes, so some people avoid wearing their favorite outfit. There is usually no special dress code.

Department store womenswear and menswear floors, contemporary brand stores and casual shops in large malls all carry workwear. Online shops also sell a huge range under the label office look. For shirts and trousers, be sure to check the size and length carefully.

Neat shoulder bags or totes and clean dress shoes or loafers suit both wedding guest and office outfits better than a bulky backpack. A small bag is practical for weddings. You may stand or walk for a while, so consider comfort as well as style.