By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The 6th International Diplomatic and Cultural PR Ambassadors Hanbok Festival, which was held at I-VEX Studio in Gwangmyeong City on Oct. 15, ended successfully with attendance of more than 80 models and 500 guests, including foreign ambassadors and their spouses who also played as models.

Among foreign models who appeared on the stage in traditional costumes from their respective countries were spouses of ambassadors of Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Turkmenistan, Russia, Belarus, Côte d'Ivoire, and Tajikistan.

Delivering welcoming address, Kim Kwang-ja, CEO of Hanbok Good Day, the organizer of the international event, said, “We designed our Korean Hanbok to retain the beauty of traditional curved lines while keeping contemporary elements. We enriched our designs with diverse and colorful patterns to showcase both the elegance and splendor of Hanbok.”

CEO Kim also said,.“I look forward to seeing Hanbok become a component of K-culture through the works presented today. I extend my gratitude to the models who will find their beauty and confidence by participating on this stage and I will continue to support their future.”

She also said, “The main concept of the event is to celebrate Gyeongju's bid to host the 2025 APEC Summit, with the motif of Silla, Gyeongju's ancient capital, and the costumes will reflect the grandeur and splendor of Silla, the 'millennial capital' of Korea, through the queen's ornaments and full-size gold crowns unearthed during tomb excavations.”

On June 27, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, was selected as the host city for the 32nd APEC Summit in 2025, which will be attended by leaders from 21 countries.

The 2025 APEC Summit, which will be held 20 years after the last one in Busan in 2005, will be the largest international diplomatic event since the inauguration of the President Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

Related to this, Nam Sim-sook, director of the culture and tourism bureau in Gyeongju City, said in her congratulatory remarks, “Today, Korea is leading an era of cultural property. K-culture is receiving global acclaim, and there is growing curiosity about its roots in traditional Korean culture. At the heart of this cultural curiosity heads to Hanbok.”

Director Nam continued to say, “I hope today’s stage will be an opportunity for Hanbok culture to advance as a representative field of Korean culture, stimulating our aesthetic sensibilities with the grace and artistic ambiance of Hanbok.” 

Mayor of Bucheon City Cho Yong-ik sent congratulatory message, saying “Hanbok represents our Koreean identity. Along with Korean cuisine and hanok (traditional Korean houses), Hanbok symbolizes the essence of our culture and heritage.” 

He also said, “As Korea’s cultural and artistic content gains more popularity in the world, Hanbok has emerged as a fashion item getting more global attention. I hope that Hanbok, which embraces our history and pride, will be inherited, preserved and developed in a heathier manner, while also reaching a wider audience around the world.”

CEO Song Jin-ho of Miracle City World Group, commented in congratulatory speech, “The participation of foreign ambassadors and their spouses in this international Hanbok show carries significant meaning in promoting the 32nd APEC Summit and instills confidence in its successful hosting.”