South Korean First Lady Kim Hea Kyung has been actively promoting traditional Korean hanbok attire during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit taking place in the historic city of Gyeongju. Her efforts have drawn significant attention as she uses the international platform to showcase the elegance and cultural significance of Korea's traditional clothing.
On Thursday, Kim hosted an intimate tea meeting with five prominent hanbok designers at the Gyeongju National Museum, where she expressed her deep appreciation for their dedicated work in preserving and modernizing this traditional art form. The meeting served as both a cultural exchange and a strategic discussion about how to further elevate hanbok's profile on the global stage.
During the gathering, the First Lady made a public commitment to continue her advocacy efforts. "I will help elevate its global stature by wearing it on official occasions in and out of the country," Kim stated, according to an official statement from the presidential office. This pledge underscores her determination to use her position to promote Korean cultural heritage internationally.
Following the tea meeting, Kim put her words into action by donning a particularly striking hanbok ensemble. She chose a traditional outfit featuring a pristine white upper garment paired with a vibrant crimson skirt, creating a visually stunning representation of classic Korean aesthetics. Dressed in this elegant attire, she took to the streets of Gyeongju, where she warmly greeted both international tourists and local citizens, graciously posing for photographs and engaging in friendly conversations.
The First Lady's choice of hanbok also demonstrated thoughtful diplomatic consideration. Earlier that same day, she had met with Diana Fox Carney, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. For this important diplomatic encounter, Kim carefully selected a hanbok with colors that echoed the symbolic red and white of the Canadian flag, showing cultural sensitivity and diplomatic awareness through her fashion choices.
Kim's hanbok advocacy extended beyond Thursday's events. On Wednesday, she had already made a strong statement by attending a hanbok fashion show held in front of one of Gyeongju's scenic bridges. The fashion show, set against the backdrop of the historic southeastern city, provided a perfect venue to demonstrate how traditional Korean clothing can be both culturally authentic and contemporarily relevant in today's global context.
