• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.17-34
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• 2014

This is a theoretical and empirical study on Kasaya, the Buddhist monk's robe, which is one of the traditional Korean costumes that has kept it original form, as well as it being the most symbolic ritual costume in Buddhism. The purpose of the study is to see the different types of Kasaya, and the transitions it has gone through since Mid Joseon Dynasty. The analysis was performed after categorizing Kasaya in the following manner: layers, the way to wear, symbolism in construction, sewing, etc. Having a variety of Ilwolguangcheop(日月光貼) is a feature of Korean Red Kasaya. In the beginning, Its shape was very similar to shape of Hyungbae(胸背), and this was a royal gift and had the same meaning as an official uniform for a Buddhist monk. So designs of the Cheop(貼) could have been transformed from those of Hyungbae with a Buddhist twist. The conclusion of the study is as follows: Double layered Kasaya shows its transition from double layer to single layer. The fastening ornaments have been simplified in all materials from Yeongja(纓子). The latch type and three-paired Yeongja type transformed into hook type and one-paired Yeongja type. Color is the most common feature above all, and it is mainly in red. The form of Korean Kasaya has a significant relation with development of Buddhism. The integration of the Zen sect would have influenced the integration of Kasaya, which shows diversity throughout the period.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.623-637
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• 2016

This study examined the importance of social capital in facilitating older adults' learning and adaptation of information technology as well as alleviating depressive symptoms. At two senior community centers in South Korea, 144 adults aged 60 and older were recruited to participate in 12 week-long technology classes to learn computers, smart phone, and internet skills. At the baseline interviews were conducted to assess their health status, depression, and online social relationships. Online and offline social capital (bonding vs. bridging) was assessed (Williams, 2006). Four-step Hierarchical Linear Regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of online social relationship on depression. Findings suggested that depressive symptoms were associated with being widowed, being unemployed, and perceiving poor health status. Adding social capital variables in the final step, older adults who perceived less stressors, greater level of subjective health and high online bonding capitals had less depressive symptoms. Only online social bonding was significant in alleviating depression. This final model explained 48% of the variance. Computer/Internet training for older adults need to consider the significant role bonding social capital can play. The findings of this pilot study provided a preliminary base of knowledge about acceptable community-based interventions for older adults.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.283-294
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• 2015

The study examines the effect of IT education on on-line social relationship of older adults. The study group composed of 114 older adults who received IT education (computer class, internet class, and smart-phone class) at two community welfare centers in Seoul. In order to compare the effect of IT education of the study group, the control group who did not receive any IT education was recruited (N = 30). Social Capital Scale was used to measure on-line social relationship. The on-line social relationship was composed of social bonding type and social bridging type. Results showed that the study group significantly higher scores than did the control group on three subscales (emotional support, access to scare or limited resources, and out-group antagonism) of social bonding type except one subscale (ability to mobilize solidarity). With regard to social bridging type of social relationship, the study group significantly higher scores that did the control group on all four subscales (outward looking, contact with a broad rage of people, a view of oneself as part of a broader group, and diffuse reciprocity with a broader community). The findings highlight the importance of IT education for older adults to expand and increase social bonding and social bridging of social relationship.