1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson explores the growing popularity of Korean eyewear brands, particularly in the domestic and international fashion markets. It discusses how Korean eyewear has become a sought-after “K-fashion” item, leading to the expansion of Korean eyewear companies into overseas markets like the United States.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 있다 | itda | to exist, to be | Korean eyewear brands have established a strong presence in the fashion industry. |
| 안경 | angyeong | eyeglasses | Korean eyewear has become a must-have souvenir for foreign visitors to Korea. |
| 지난해 | jinanhae | last year | Last year, the fashion category of Korean eyewear saw significant growth. |
| 선글라스 | seongeullaseu | sunglasses | Korean eyewear brands are expanding their product lines to include sunglasses. |
| 1층 | ilcheung | first floor | Korean eyewear brands are securing prime retail space on the first floor of department stores. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국 안경 브랜드가 ‘패션 아이템’으로 자리 잡으면서 백화점 1층을 차지하고 있다. 립스틱처럼 비교적 저렴한 가격에 자신만의 패션을 만들 수 있는 아이템으로 입지를 굳힌 데다 한국을 찾은 외국인도 필수 기념품으로 구입하면서다.
Korean eyewear brands have established themselves as fashion items, securing prime retail space on the first floor of department stores. This is due to their relatively affordable prices, allowing consumers to create their own fashion, and the fact that they have become a must-have souvenir for foreign visitors to Korea.
한국 안경이 ‘K패션’ 아이템으로 인식되며 미국 뉴욕 등 해외로 진출하는 업체도 생겨나고 있다. 패션 카테고리의 성장세가 정체된 상황에서도 각각 16%, 13.6% 늘어났다.
Korean eyewear is now recognized as a “K-fashion” item, leading to the expansion of Korean eyewear companies into overseas markets such as New York in the United States. Even in a stagnant fashion market, the Korean eyewear industry saw growth of 16% and 13.6% in recent years.
러닝의 대중화도 국내 안경 시장에 호재였다. 신세계백화점 강남점 리끌로우 팝업 / 사진=신세계백화점 제공
The popularization of running has also been a boon for the domestic eyewear market. Shinsegae Department Store’s Gangnam branch hosted a pop-up store for the eyewear brand Riclou.
안경 시장 확대에 유통업체도 제조회사에 적극적으로 판매 기회를 주고 있다. 개인화 안경테로 진화…
Retail companies are also actively providing sales opportunities to eyewear manufacturers to support the expansion of the eyewear market. Eyewear brands are evolving to offer personalized frames…
젠틀몬스터와 1 대 1 맞춤형 안경 브랜드인 브리즘은 이미 미국 시장에서 영업을 하고 있다. 블루엘리펀트는 일본 매장 오픈이 예정돼 있다.
Gentle Monster and Brisim, a one-on-one custom eyewear brand, are already operating in the US market. Blue Elephant is planning to open a store in Japan.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- Why have Korean eyewear brands become popular fashion items?
- How have Korean eyewear brands expanded into overseas markets?
- What factors have contributed to the growth of the Korean eyewear market?
- How are retail companies supporting the expansion of the Korean eyewear industry?
- What are some examples of Korean eyewear brands that have entered international markets?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The growing popularity of Korean eyewear brands reflects the broader trend of “K-fashion” gaining recognition globally. Korean fashion and beauty products have become increasingly sought-after, with Korean eyewear emerging as a unique and desirable item for both domestic and international consumers.