Korean Patterns

I find the patterns in Korean clothing, food, and architecture fascinating. When I wrote my middle grade novel on Korea, I had fun incorporating these patterns into the story.

But patterns are more than a shape or color. They convey emotions and meaning. Maybe that's why I like them so much. There's a sense of mystery around them and about those who created them.

This is a design of a peony pattern carved on a diagonal lattice at the Seonghyeolsa temple.

If you'll notice, even Caleb and his friend's hanboks have patterns on them. Clothes with colorful stripped sleeves were worn by children under seven years old. The overcoats are called obangjang durumagi. The name comes from the colors on the coat sleeve symbolizing the five directions.

How about you? Any interesting patterns you've noticed in your life?