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SEOUL : Koreans are known to have fair skin.
Most are born fair, but Korean women try their best to stay that way.
Lee Jeong Eun is out shopping with her boyfriend for an umbrella - one that she can not only use when it rains, but also to protect against the sun
She said: "I am worried about my skin because the sun is so strong. So I decided I needed a parasol. These days, they can be used both as parasols and umbrellas."
Referred to as parasols in South Korea, they have been around for thousands of years.
Although parasols have become unfashionable in other parts of the world, they remain popular in South Korea where having fair skin is prized.
Traditionally Koreans who were born and raised in the countryside spent lots of time outdoors doing farm work. Naturally these people got dark from staying out in the sun.
So people with dark skin were associated with being farmers and not well off. Those with fair skin were perceived to be better off - living in the city and not having to work outdoors.
Although much of that notion has changed these days, Koreans, especially the women, still try to stay away from the sun.
But if they need to expose themselves out in the sun - the parasols will be of help. And it's easy to carry them around, since they can be folded. They also come in handy on rainy days.
Sales of parasols have increased more than 30 per cent this summer compared to last year, as it has become a hot item to have not just for older women, but the younger ones as well.
"In the past, parasols were used just for that and so people thought they were only for older women. But they are like umbrellas now and with lots of different designs," said Lee Kyoung Soon, a shop manager.
So it's not difficult to find Korean women with umbrellas on a sunny day like this. But the trend hasn't caught on with the guys yet. - CNA /ls
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