South Korea's largest-ever Hanbok exhibition is taking place from August 7-10 at D Hall of COEX Mall in Seoul's Gangnam District, featuring a record-breaking 150 participating brands. The annual Hanbok Expo, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in partnership with the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, represents the biggest edition in the event's history.
Visitors can purchase both traditional and modernized versions of hanbok at discounts of up to 80 percent off regular prices. The expo also features a wide variety of related items including fabric materials, decorative hair ribbons, accessories, and traditional apparel ornaments. This comprehensive selection allows attendees to explore various aspects of Korean traditional fashion culture.
This year's exhibition operates under the theme "Hanbok with Four Seasons," showcasing the beauty and cultural significance of these traditional garments through seasonal variations. The event includes complex cultural programming featuring interactive experiences and detailed exhibitions that highlight how hanbok adapts to different times of the year while maintaining its cultural essence.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for Culture and Arts Policy Lee Jung Woo emphasized the growing international recognition of hanbok in contemporary culture. "Hanbok has recently appeared in diverse K-content and gained the spotlight as a symbol of Korean tradition and beauty," Lee stated during the event's opening. "We hope that the culture of wearing Hanbok not only for special occasions but also in daily lives spreads."
The expo serves as the country's premier hanbok exhibition, providing a unique platform for both traditional craftspeople and modern designers to showcase their interpretations of Korean heritage fashion. The event reflects the growing global interest in Korean culture and the increasing integration of traditional elements into contemporary fashion trends.
For those interested in attending or learning more about the exhibition, detailed information is available on the expo's official website at http://www.kcdf.or.kr/hanbokexpo/main. The four-day event continues to promote Korean cultural heritage while encouraging the incorporation of traditional hanbok into modern daily wear.