A spectacular Hanbok fashion show and traditional Bojagi exhibition took place in Ankara on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as part of Turkey's largest cultural celebration, the Cultural Street Festival. The event, jointly organized by the Korean Cultural Center and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, provided an extraordinary platform to showcase the depth and beauty of Korean traditional and contemporary culture while strengthening cultural bonds between Korea and Turkey.
The highlight of the event was an impressive fashion show featuring renowned designer Yoo Si-eun, who presented an extensive collection of over 30 carefully curated outfits. The diverse showcase spanned centuries of Korean fashion history, displaying authentic traditional Hanbok styles from both the ancient Goguryeo dynasty and the later Joseon dynasty period, alongside innovative modern reinterpretations that demonstrate how traditional Korean clothing continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary tastes.
Local Turkish models, many of whom are dedicated enthusiasts of Korean culture, gracefully walked the runway wearing these stunning garments. Their participation highlighted how traditional Korean attire transcends cultural boundaries and finds meaningful resonance on the international stage. The fusion of Turkish models with Korean traditional clothing created a powerful visual representation of cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between the two nations.
The modern adaptations of traditional Hanbok designs particularly captivated the audience, earning enthusiastic applause for their elegant aesthetics and practical wearability. The contemporary pieces successfully balanced respect for traditional elements with modern functionality, making them appealing to today's fashion-conscious consumers. Several attendees expressed genuine interest in purchasing the showcased outfits, demonstrating the strong commercial appeal and international marketability of modernized Korean traditional wear.
Korean Ambassador Jeong Yeon-doo personally contributed to the promotional efforts by wearing a traditional Hanbok throughout the event, serving as a distinguished representative of Korean cultural heritage. His participation underscored the diplomatic significance of cultural exchange programs and showed official support for promoting Korean traditional arts abroad.
The atmosphere before the show was particularly vibrant and engaging, with numerous festival attendees eagerly requesting photo opportunities with the Turkish models dressed in colorful Hanbok. This spontaneous interaction created additional excitement and buzz around the event, providing informal cultural education moments as visitors learned about the significance and craftsmanship of Korean traditional clothing. The enthusiastic response from local participants demonstrated the growing international appreciation for Korean cultural exports beyond entertainment and technology.
