This study aims to analyze the traditional embroidery in Korea, China and Japan based on Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural theory, habitus and field. We conducted literature and case studies examining the late Joseon Dynasty, Qing Dynasty, and Edo Period, respectively. Based on previous studies, we reviewed three fields: social systems, goods and economy, and environmental and regional. We also explored art, culture, and national tastes as habitus. We then examined each country’s embroidery practices through these lenses, and the practice of habitus is as follows. We determined that traditional Korean court embroidery in the late Joseon Dynasty was characterized as controlled elegance, while private embroidery reflected earnest simplicity. During the Qing Dynasty, traditional Chinese court embroidery depicted sumptuous power, while private embroidery portrayed harmonious splendor. Finally, traditional Japanese embroidery in the Edo period reflected symbolic natural beauty and exaggerated comic beauty. As a result, Korea, China, and Japan have had a relatively close geographical location and a similar climate environment zone, and since ancient times, many cultures have been exchanged with each other. However, it seems that the characteristics of traditional embroidery have developed slightly differently due to the practice of habitus, which was caused by of the conspiracy of field and habitus of the three countries. The significance of this study is expected to explain the relationship between the birth and extinction of costumes and embroidery by establishing a systematic and objective framework for aesthetics research.

This study investigated changes in psychological stress levels of 60 firefighters after participation in an eight-week Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) program consisting of 16 sessions. The Korean versions of the Posttraumatic Diagnosis Scale (PDS-K), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (K-CESD), and the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (K-DERS) were used for measurements. Participants were divided into two groups according to level of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS): the PTSS risk group and the PTSS non-risk group. Results showed that PDS-K, K-CESD, and K-DERS scores were significantly reduced after the program in the PTSS risk group. Significant reduction was also found in all sub-scales of PDS-K: re-experiencing, avoidance/emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. Moreover, in the PTSS risk group, there were greater improvements with significant group x time interactions. These findings suggest that EAL is effective in relieving PTSD and PTSD-related symptoms of firefighters with subsyndromal or more severe levels of PTSD.

Goldwork embroidery is the art of embroidery using metal threads. As well as being used as a decorative element of religious clothing, flags, performing costumes, uniforms, and badges, goldwork embroidery is also used in many current designer collections. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the techniques and materials of goldwork embroidery and the formative characteristics and socio-cultural values of goldwork embroidery from its beginning to the early 20th century. For this study, various embroidery works, costumes, museum portraits, and literature were analyzed. The results are as follows. First, the transition of goldwork embroidery was divided into 4 categories: The beginning of goldwork embroidery; the golden age of goldwork embroidery; the maturity of goldwork embroidery; and various goldwork embroidery (depending on the materials used, usage, and design features). The earliest extant example is the “Maaseik fragments” in Belgium dating from the late 8th to early 9th centuries. Until the 15th century, the Church was the most important patron of goldwork embroidery; however, after the 15th century, goldwork embroidery was produced on costumes. Second, the social-cultural values of goldwork embroidery (based on transition and formative features) were classified as expression of divinity, instrument of governance, desire to be approved, and tools of self-expression. Through this study, it is evident that there have been many advances in both technique and technology over time. Furthermore, patterns of usage and social-cultural values of goldwork embroidery have changed significantly.