The first word that comes into our mind when we see a Hanbok; a traditional Korean dress, is impracticality. The slimming design and vibrant colors could easily entice us to wear them every day. Yet, the reason people choose not to is because it is too expensive and also too uncomfortable to wear. Fellow Hanyangian Lee Ko-un, is the founder and the CEO of Lili Hanbok, a company that works to provide contemporary versions of Hanbok that are affordable and also comfortable to be in.
Venturing off into the world of Hanbok was a big step for Lee, who had originally majored in Journalism and Mass Communication. The reason for such adventurous decision was simple, because she enjoyed investing her time doing what she wants to do. “I had worked for a content editor for a PR company and also worked as a journalist for a news web outlet. I was also a part of the management team for a drama manufacturing company. All the while I was working for such occupations, I was not contented that I could not spend my time the way I wanted to. I wanted to be a part of something that I could see myself doing happily for the following years to come. Let’s just say I found my inner peace by finally doing what made me happy.”
CEO Lee had continued to explain her passion for Hanbok. “My grandmother actually ran a Hanbok store, so I have constantly been exposed to the beauty that the dress holds since a very young age. The trigger was actually because of everything that the Hanbok didn’t have. “I remember looking online for a comfortable and reasonably priced Hanbok that could be worn every day. To my surprise I couldn’t find any piece that fit such criteria. That was what provoked me to venture on to the Hanbok world. I wanted to be the one who provides people with a reasonably priced Hanbok that is both pleasing to the eye and body.”
The last reminder that CEO Lee wants to remind Hanyangians to pursue their passions, or what makes them happy today. “Don’t tie yourself down with the worries of the future, focus on what makes you happy today. If you pursue what makes you happy, I guarantee that a peaceful future will be in the palms of your hands.”