The Murse

Something that is of great interest to many of us westerners now in Korea is the "murse" also known as the man purse.
Don't get me wrong. I find that men of all ages are quite chivalrous when helping their spouses or significant others with their bags. If you offer your seat on the bus to another, that stranger will most often offer to hold your bag for you. Not to rifle through it but in a general desire to help one another out.
However, there is a definite trend here in Korea where gentlemen of all ages carry what we call murses with all of their items throughout the day. They are as trendy and as picky as women are when picking out their murse. They come in all shapes and sizes and colors and brand names. Quite honestly it is sometimes difficult to tell if whose purse is whose. I can understand the need though with all the gadgets and things we carry around. Allow me to be clear, they are definitely not backpacks or briefcases. These photos really don't do them justice and I am sure I will have follow up blogs on this topic as well as the stilettos you see every day because it is just such a fascinating trend. Image is such a huge part of identity here and sometimes I am just glad I haven't ever been a fashion plate to worry about such things.

It is just fun to watch how the kids here are different than at home in the states. I am also loving the fact that you do not see baggy pants here at all! It is such a comfort NOT to know what color or pattern of boxer shorts the boys are wearing. You do see some brand name t-shirts at school as well, but it seems like the overall presentation is more important than the brand name you come up with.
I kept thinking how interesting it was that there are mirrors inside every elevator I have been in and how everyone was checking how they looked before heading out for the day. I thought to myself, what for? It is raining like crazy out there, what is it going to matter and then....I caught myself doing it. Sigh...when in Korea do as the Koreans do I suppose....
Updates will follow in time.