Chapter 983

EP.983 [Reality Side Story] The Golden Holiday Guide No.10: Baek Hee-a

When she first suggested a hanok date, I thought, what kind of woman is this?

Occasionally, when passing near Gwanghwamun or Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can see groups of women in hanbok.

They’re usually tourists from the provinces sightseeing in Seoul, or foreigners experiencing Korean culture for the first time.

But our destination? The countryside.

A place you have to take a train to reach, and not somewhere you’d go unless you had a specific reason.

And yet, we were going there dressed in traditional hanbok?

Not only that, but we’d only visit cafes with a hanok theme—though calling them ‘cafes’ might be questionable—and stroll around historical sites, staying overnight in an expensive hanok guesthouse.

“This wasn’t about outsourcing the entire date itinerary, was it?”

Even if someone’s into history, this isn’t respectful to the guy on the date.

There’s such a thing as moderation in concepts, right? Turning every activity into a traditional experience is excessive.

I started wondering if we’d be doing tea ceremonies by afternoon.

The biggest problem? Me.

“…Sigh.”

I could feel the strange stares from men as I passed through the restroom.

Though I look typically Korean, wearing a gat (traditional hat) and yangban robes in modern times certainly makes me stand out.

That’s right.

I’m on a hanbok date.

No, make that a full-on traditional experience date.

For dinner, we’re planning to enjoy a Michelin two-star Korean course meal.

…Is this even a date? Or just some kind of tradition showcase?

“What are you thinking so deeply about, Senior?”

“About you.”

“…Oh my.”

Baek Hee-a lightly touched her lips with her index finger and smiled faintly.

“What could you possibly be thinking about?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You look really beautiful in hanbok.”

“Wouldn’t you think I’m pretty even without hanbok?”

“You are, but normally you wear something more like a uniform design.”

Baek Hee-a often dresses in business attire.

It seems like the word ‘casual’ doesn’t exist in her vocabulary. She looks more like someone who works at a strict bank than a college student.

“Wearing hanbok has made me appreciate its beauty all over again.”

“It does, doesn’t it? But…”

And now, she’s in hanbok.

“I wish my skirt went down to my ankles.”

Baek Hee-a wanted something akin to a period drama costume.

However, considering the warm spring weather and the impracticality of dragging rented hanbok along the ground, knee-length seemed fine too.

“But traditionally…”

“To you, it looks good. Or do you just want to show off your legs for me?”

“There’s some truth to that, but there’s a reason for longer hanbok…”

“Reason?”

“There is.”

Baek Hee-a fell silent.

Had I not decided to buy her the hanbok, she would’ve insisted on renting it despite the financial strain.

But seeing her in it now fills me with satisfaction.

Her hanbok, white on top and gray below, feels less like traditional wear and more like a long skirt reaching the chest.

Considering her choice of elegant loafers, it’s clear how devoted she is to traditional culture.

But that’s her charm.

If there were a drama set in Joseon, disregarding acting skills, Baek Hee-a would undoubtedly be the most fitting actress for the era.

WEEEEEEENG.

“Ah, wait a moment.”

Baek Hee-a pulled out her smartphone from her bag.

…Even the phone case screams national pride, making me wonder if her taste borders on obsession.

“It’s Grandpa. Let me answer quickly.”

“Alright.”

Baek Hee-a took her phone and stepped away briefly, naturally handing me her bag.

Every man’s nightmare.

Carrying a woman’s bag while she goes somewhere, like the restroom.

‘Everyone will understand.’

Though unpleasant, it’s part of dating, so no complaints.

Still…

“…Instead of an LV clutch, one with Hunminjeongeum? Incredible…”

Everything inside reeks of patriotism.

She must’ve died trying to save the country in a past life.

‘At least it makes gift-giving easy.’

Initially, I encountered trial and error.

I bought her things anyone would like, movie tickets for blockbusters, etc.

After about three months, I realized her preferences lean heavily toward one area, and found a great spot.

The National Museum of Korea’s gift shop.

Full of perfect gifts, from traditional crafts to everyday items, I owe it much gratitude. It also made travel plans easier.

‘Studying for the Level 1 Korean History test has paid off.’

Though not as knowledgeable as Baek Hee-a, knowing even a little excites her to share her knowledge.

Excluding her passion for history and tradition, Baek Hee-a is flawless.

Beauty, personality, capability—she has it all.

I want to maintain this relationship even after graduation and hope to deepen it further.

Adults always describe her as “virtuous.”

A model wife.

Baek Hee-a would make an excellent wife for anyone.

Ideally…

“Senior, lost in thought again?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“What are you thinking?”

“That you’ll make a great wife.”

“…Huh.”

After receiving her bag back, Baek Hee-a leaned close to me.

“Whose wife?”

“Whose else?”

“Are you serious?”

“I’ve never been dishonest with you.”

“Hmm…”

Baek Hee-a grinned and linked arms with me.

“Grandpa approved.”

“…Wait, approved what?”

“Hmm, various things.”

“Hold on. Hee-a, you didn’t tell him we’re together, did you?”

“Senior, do I seem like someone who’d do that?”

“Yeah, you wouldn’t lie to your parents or elders.”

“Correct. I didn’t tell my parents, just secretly told Grandpa.”

“……”

Holy.

“Senior, aren’t you curious? Whether I’ll wear a wedding dress or hanbok with a binyeo at my wedding.”

“Hmm…”

I’m curious, but I’d rather avoid that situation.

Rather than watching her become someone else’s wife from afar, I’d prefer sending out invitations with her to many people.

“Still, Senior, you already know the answer.”

“What? Me?”

“Yes. You know me well.”

“…Do I?”

What to wear at the wedding.

It’s already decided for Baek Hee-a.

“…I’ll wear whatever my husband wants.”

Smiling softly.

“So, what would you like me to wear?”

…Maybe I should prepare a jade ring soon.

* * *

After finishing the schedule, at the accommodation.

While maintaining a traditional hanok structure, at my insistence, we booked a room with a bed.

“This is surprisingly cool.”

“Isn’t it?”

I wore a modified hanbok often seen on high school Chinese character teachers, while Baek Hee-a donned a light jeogori and skirt.

Unlike the daytime outfit, this felt more like pajamas, with her slightly revealing jeogori and ankle-length skirt.

“Come to think of it, when did you get that?”

“This? I bought it online for cheap.”

“Cheap…?”

Baek Hee-a is serious about hanbok.

So when I bought her the lifestyle hanbok, it was quite pricey.

“Hee-a, this is the first time I’ve seen you buy something like this.”

“It didn’t cost much. Top and bottom for about 20,000 won…”

“……”

Rather than spending this money on a nice meal at a restaurant overlooking the Han River, she bought a hanbok skirt for the price of a chicken set.

‘You bought this? Why?’

“Senior, your expression is really strange right now.”

“…It fits, but I expected you to go for something more luxurious. Brand-conscious.”

“I am careful. But this is for… disposable use.”

“Disposable?”

“It’s better to ruin something cheap than something expensive, right?”

Baek Hee-a stood up with a meaningful look.

“…Senior, do you know how amazing our ancestors were?”

“What about them?”

“Think about hanbok skirts.”

Facing the wall, Baek Hee-a slowly bent forward towards the desk.

“…Isn’t this angle beautiful?”

“…From a guy’s perspective, it’s the best angle.”

I approached Baek Hee-a.

Slowly, starting from her toes, I gently lifted the hem of her skirt upward.

“Hee-a.”

“Yes, Senior…”

“Can we start calling each other something more casual?”

“Casual? …Oh, you want me to call you that?”

“Yeah.”

Just as women want to appear younger, men dislike being called ‘older brother.’

Since dating Baek Hee-a has been ongoing for some time, I wanted to hear ‘oppa’ from her.

“Then…”

Baek Hee-a blinked a few times before whispering softly.

“…Okay, Oppa.”

“Oppa…”

Not exactly ‘oppa,’ but this works too.

“Just between us, alright? Not outside.”

Always confident and assertive during the day, she transforms into a mature woman at night.

“I’ll let you do whatever you want today. How about it?”

“…Nothing special. Do you know? Back then, they didn’t have contraception.”

“……”

“Oh.

“…Will you preserve the tradition?”

One year later.

I successfully dressed Baek Hee-a not in hanbok, but in a pure white wedding dress.