LEEHWA: A Taste of Korean Culture
By Caleb Kim
As times are changing and moving towards a more modern future, it is common for many people to struggle with maintaining a connection with their cultural roots. Traditions can become a thing of the past, and while that is unfortunate, it is not something that has to happen. It is more than possible to keep up with modern trends while remaining true to one’s cultural roots. While the decision to stay connected with traditions is entirely up to the individual, it is nice to have the opportunity to do so. Though there are different ways to pursue this relationship, one way to connect with one’s cultural roots is through fashion and clothing. Many stores around the world help bridge the gap between the modern and traditional world, and one, in particular, is a company known as “LEEHWA.”
Based in Los Angeles, LEEHWA is typically known for its collection of Korean-inspired wedding attire; however, LEEHWA also produces and sells modern renditions of “hanbok” (traditional Korean clothing) for everyday wear as well. All the clothing they make is handmade with attention and care; in addition, all their designs are original. As a result, when it comes to pricing, wedding attire typically ranges in the thousands of dollars, while everyday hanbok is sold in the hundreds of dollars range. Though costly, their careful attention to detail when handmaking these pieces in addition to the effort put into designing these clothes justify the costs; also, there is a clearance section available where one can find items on sale. Even beyond their impressive and vast range of options, their story is simply inspiring.
While in her early twenties, Leehwa, the company’s creator, immigrated from Seoul to open her shop in Los Angeles in 1993. Coming from a family and a line of artisans, she dreamt of continuing the legacy left behind by her predecessors. Through hard work and dedication, Leehwa worked to make original designs in addition to handmaking hanbok. Her time and effort have allowed many Korean immigrants to reconnect with their cultural roots through fashion and clothing. The positive impact Leehwa has made in the Korean American community is definitely a contributor to the company’s growing success. From what started as a small business led by a devoted immigrant from Korea, LEEHWA is now the biggest hanbok house in America.
With its large collection that ranges from traditional to more modern styles, or even a mixture of both, LEEHWA has something perfect for everyone. In addition, they even have accessories to choose from, including a wide selection of rings, earrings and more. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I recommend visiting their store located at 555 S Western Ave Suite #210, Los Angeles, CA 90020. But no worries if not — LEEHWA also has a website that you can explore. It is a great place to check out with friends, family, or by yourself!
As a Korean American myself, I have always found it difficult to keep up with the modern world while also trying to remain connected to my cultural roots back in Korea. In all honesty, I did not think it was possible to do both; I always thought I would have to choose one or the other, and through conversations with friends and family, I realized that this struggle is not exclusive to me. In an era where times are changing at a fast pace, it is difficult to remember the roots that you come from.
Companies such as LEEHWA who make an effort to maintain a connection with their culture in addition to helping others with bridging the gap between tradition and modernity are inspiring to say the least. I look forward to visiting the store and seeing how the company continues to inspire through introducing people to Korean culture and helping Korean Americans, like myself, reconnect with their cultural roots.
Based in Los Angeles, LEEHWA is typically known for its collection of Korean-inspired wedding attire; however, LEEHWA also produces and sells modern renditions of “hanbok” (traditional Korean clothing) for everyday wear as well. All the clothing they make is handmade with attention and care; in addition, all their designs are original. As a result, when it comes to pricing, wedding attire typically ranges in the thousands of dollars, while everyday hanbok is sold in the hundreds of dollars range. Though costly, their careful attention to detail when handmaking these pieces in addition to the effort put into designing these clothes justify the costs; also, there is a clearance section available where one can find items on sale. Even beyond their impressive and vast range of options, their story is simply inspiring.
While in her early twenties, Leehwa, the company’s creator, immigrated from Seoul to open her shop in Los Angeles in 1993. Coming from a family and a line of artisans, she dreamt of continuing the legacy left behind by her predecessors. Through hard work and dedication, Leehwa worked to make original designs in addition to handmaking hanbok. Her time and effort have allowed many Korean immigrants to reconnect with their cultural roots through fashion and clothing. The positive impact Leehwa has made in the Korean American community is definitely a contributor to the company’s growing success. From what started as a small business led by a devoted immigrant from Korea, LEEHWA is now the biggest hanbok house in America.
With its large collection that ranges from traditional to more modern styles, or even a mixture of both, LEEHWA has something perfect for everyone. In addition, they even have accessories to choose from, including a wide selection of rings, earrings and more. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I recommend visiting their store located at 555 S Western Ave Suite #210, Los Angeles, CA 90020. But no worries if not — LEEHWA also has a website that you can explore. It is a great place to check out with friends, family, or by yourself!
As a Korean American myself, I have always found it difficult to keep up with the modern world while also trying to remain connected to my cultural roots back in Korea. In all honesty, I did not think it was possible to do both; I always thought I would have to choose one or the other, and through conversations with friends and family, I realized that this struggle is not exclusive to me. In an era where times are changing at a fast pace, it is difficult to remember the roots that you come from.
Companies such as LEEHWA who make an effort to maintain a connection with their culture in addition to helping others with bridging the gap between tradition and modernity are inspiring to say the least. I look forward to visiting the store and seeing how the company continues to inspire through introducing people to Korean culture and helping Korean Americans, like myself, reconnect with their cultural roots.