A spectacular hanbok fashion show celebrating Korea's traditional culture will illuminate the historic Woljeonggyo bridge in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on Wednesday, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The event will showcase Korea's Five Han cultural elements - hanbok (traditional clothing), hansik (Korean cuisine), hanok (traditional architecture), hanji (Korean mulberry paper), and Hangeul (Korean writing system) - in a stunning display of cultural heritage.
The fashion show is being co-hosted by North Gyeongsang Province, the city of Gyeongju, and the Korea Hanbok Promotion Institute. Organizers aim to showcase the beauty of traditional Korean culture on the world stage and promote hanbok as global cultural content that extends far beyond mere fashion. The event operates under the inspiring slogan "Our Hanbok, Flying Toward Tomorrow," which conveys hanbok's role as a bridge connecting past and future, linking people, time, and culture.
The fashion show will unfold on a specially constructed floating stage set against the dramatically illuminated backdrop of Woljeonggyo, a carefully restored bridge from the ancient Silla Kingdom that ruled from 53 BC to AD 935. This historic bridge serves as a powerful symbol of connection and passage, making it the perfect venue for this cultural celebration. The performance will feature an impressive array of garments including authentic replicas of royal Silla clothing, official APEC 2025 hanbok designs, and innovative AI-inspired hanbok creations that seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
The runway presentation will be enhanced by sophisticated multimedia visuals, mesmerizing drone light shows, and enchanting lantern effects that will create a truly magical atmosphere. Beyond the main fashion show, visitors will have the opportunity to explore dedicated exhibition and experience zones, each focusing on different aspects of the Five Han cultural themes, providing an immersive educational experience.
Two distinguished master artisans led the design and creation of special hanbok for leaders attending the APEC summit. Koo Hye-ja, who holds the prestigious title of National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder in needlework, and Kang Mi-ja, recognized as a North Gyeongsang provincial hanbok craft master, collaborated on these exceptional pieces. Their designs incorporate colors inspired by the traditional cardinal directions and feature intricate motifs of Hangeul characters and cloud patterns, representing the harmony between nature and Korean cultural identity.
"This fashion show will be an opportunity to share the beauty and value of hanbok with the world," stated an official from North Gyeongsang Province, emphasizing the global significance of this cultural showcase. The event represents a unique fusion of historical preservation and modern innovation, demonstrating how traditional Korean culture continues to evolve while maintaining its essential character and significance in the contemporary world.
