'Meet Hanbok in the World' ... '2022 Jongno Hanbok Festival' Opens

[Seoul District News] Jongno-gu to Host Hanbok Fashion Show, Hanbok Pride Contest, and Ganggangsullae at Gwanghwamun Square on 8-9th with Theme 'Harmony of Hanbok and World Cultures' & Experience Traditional Costumes from Germany, Poland, Mongolia & Sister City Intangible Cultural Heritage Artists Present ‘Fantasy of Drums’ and Citizens of All Ages Participate in ‘Hanbok Pride Contest’

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] The largest nationwide Hanbok festival, showcasing the excellence and beauty of our traditional clothing, will be held at Gwanghwamun Square.

Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Munheon) will host the '2022 Jongno Hanbok Festival' on the 8th and 9th, where visitors can see, hear, and experience everything about Hanbok culture.

Started with the purpose of promoting traditional Hanbok representing the Korean people both domestically and internationally, this festival marks its 7th year. After three years of COVID-19 restrictions, it will be held face-to-face once again, making it a meaningful time together at Gwanghwamun Square, the original venue from 2016.

This year’s festival, themed ‘Harmony of Hanbok and World Cultures,’ will feature diverse programs such as ▲Hanbok Fashion Show ▲Fantasy of Drums ▲Hanbok Pride Contest ▲Gohano-ra ▲Jongno Hanbok Arts Festival ▲Ganggangsullae, capturing the attention of citizens visiting Gwanghwamun Square over the weekend.

First and foremost, the ‘Hanbok Fashion Show’ prepared ambitiously by Jongno-gu in line with the rising status of K-CULTURE is worth noting. It offers a special opportunity to appreciate our Hanbok centered on Saekdong (colorful stripes) alongside rarely seen traditional costumes from around the world all in one place.

On this day, verified costumes brought from cultural centers of countries including Germany, Poland, Nigeria, and Indonesia will be introduced. Notably, the governor of Sukhbaatar District in Mongolia will appear as a model wearing traditional attire.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy the grand ‘Fantasy of Drums’ performance by intangible cultural heritage specialists from Jongno-gu’s sister cities Jeongeup and Anseong, as well as the ‘Hanbok Pride Contest’ involving children, adults, and foreigners.

‘Gohano-ra,’ a reenactment of the traditional culture where Confucian scholars of Sungkyunkwan convey their intentions to the king, and the celebratory stage ‘Jongno Hanbok Arts Festival’ jointly planned by the Jongno-gu Choir and the Jongno-gu Royal Court Dance Troupe are also highlights.

The festival will culminate with the ‘Ganggangsullae,’ a traditional circle dance. Students from Sungkyunkwan University and Kookmin University, along with participating citizens, will join hands to form a circle, creating an unforgettable moment praying for peace.

Moreover, Jongno-gu will operate a photo zone at Gwanghwamun Square where visitors can rent Hanbok and create special memories. A ‘Proper Hanbok Wearing’ booth will also be set up to teach the correct way to wear our traditional clothing. The festival will fill Gwanghwamun Square with Hanbok-related content, including a ‘Traditional Play Lounge’ featuring large Yutnori and Biseokchigi games, and a ‘Craft Experience’ booth making Obangsaek (five-color) knot bracelets and Norigae (traditional ornaments).

Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, “This will be a special time to experience the excellence and beauty of our traditional clothing all in one place,” adding, “This year’s festival is planned as a ‘small cultural diplomacy venue’ communicating with people worldwide through Hanbok. We recommend enjoying Jongno-gu’s representative festival, which captures the essence of Hanbok culture through the Hanbok Fashion Show, Hanbok Pride Contest, Ganggangsullae, and more, creating unforgettable memories.”