January 2025
Hanbok, a traditional Korean garment embodying the elegance and grace of Korea’s unique aesthetic, is captivating audiences worldwide. To amplify this growing global interest, the Korean government has initiated a variety of cultural projects centered on Hanbok, showcasing its timeless beauty to an international audience.
Writer. Robert Lauler
Rooted in Korean philosophy and traditional design, Hanbok holds a special place in the country’s cultural heritage. In recent years, its beauty has been brought to the forefront by the rise of Hallyu (the Korean Wave), sparking a newfound appreciation among global fans. Among younger generations in Korea, wearing modernized versions of Hanbok has become a trend, while international visitors often consider donning Hanbok and strolling through Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village an essential part of their Korean experience.
To further promote Hanbok, the government launched “Hanbok Wave”?a collaborative initiative uniting Hanbok designers and Hallyu cultural artists to create innovative Hanbok styles. Since its inception in 2020, this project has worked to expand the global reach of Hanbok as part of Korea’s cultural content strategy. In 2024, four Hanbok brands?LEESLE, SHEEN:SEOUL, OUWR and HYEON?joined the campaign, along with actress Kim Tae-ri. Her Hanbok-inspired photoshoots, radiating elegance, were featured in dynamic video displays at global landmarks such as Times Square in New York and the Citadium billboard in Paris. These creations can also be admired at an exhibition at “Culture Station Seoul 284” near Seoul Station, open until Feb. 11.
To further popularize Hanbok, relevant institutional measures have been put in place. Every Oct. 21, celebrated as “Hanbok Day,” and during the third week of October, known as “Hanbok Culture Week,” major cities in Korea and abroad collaborate to host Hanbok exhibitions or hands-on experience events. Through activities such as allowing both domestic and international visitors to try on traditional Hanbok at royal palaces, reenacting coming-of-age ceremonies and showcasing promotional Hanbok videos, the value of Hanbok will continue to spread to audiences worldwide.
Additional policies are also being implemented to encourage people to wear Hanbok in everyday life. The government has designated the last Wednesday of each month as “Hanbok Day,” urging public officials to wear Hanbok to work. A pilot program is introducing Hanbok uniforms for staff at public facilities such as museums, art galleries and overseas cultural centers. Moreover, Hanbok has been chosen as the dress code for Korea’s national holidays and 57 commemorative days, broadening the culture of Hanbok-wearing. Through these initiatives, both Korean citizens and international visitors will have more opportunities to discover, enjoy and incorporate Hanbok into their daily routines.
For more details on Hanbok’s success on the international stage, the stories of the artisans who create these garments and other aspects of Hanbok, check “Hanbok Now & Here!” on Korea.net.
The Pohang Homigot Sunrise Festival, held at Homigot in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province?where the first sunrise of the year is seen on the Korean Peninsula?took place from Dec. 31, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025. The festival, which has been held annually since 1999, celebrates the arrival of the new year.
The site was packed with visitors starting from the afternoon of Dec. 31, but thanks to the various cultural programs organized by the event hosts, attendees were kept entertained as they waited for the sunrise. The main programs included New Year’s greetings, a performance to welcome the new year, and celebratory concerts, all of which added to the festive atmosphere. Additional activities included a night market, a random play dance with influencers, morning exercises to greet the new year, sharing of tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup), and a busking festival. These events heightened the anticipation for the arrival of 2025, making the celebration even more exciting for all the visitors.
ⓒ TongRo Images Inc.
