Free Admission to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art for Hanbok Wearers... Hanbok Culture Week from October 21 to 26

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on October 16 that, together with the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, it has designated October 21 to 26 as "2025 Hanbok Culture Week" and will host a variety of Hanbok culture events nationwide.

Now in its eighth year, Hanbok Culture Week is an annual event centered around "Hanbok Day" on October 21. This year, under the theme "Modern Hanbokpan," the event will highlight how the traditional beauty of Hanbok is merging with modern sensibilities to expand Hanbok culture in new ways today.

On Hanbok Day, October 21, a commemorative event will be held at the Historical Heritage Square of Uijeongbuji in Jongno-gu, Seoul, featuring an awards ceremony for contributors to Hanbok culture, a Hanbok fashion show, and celebratory performances. The Hanbok fashion show, themed "Everyday Play," will feature six Hanbok brands: Kim Hyesoon Hanbok, Chai Kim, Seodamhwa, Liu&Viu Danha, and Ouur. Teams comprising veteran designers who have preserved tradition and younger designers who reinterpret Hanbok with contemporary flair will collaborate on the fashion show. Thirty-six models, including model Stefanie Michova and figure skater Cha Junhwan, will present the diverse beauty of Hanbok on stage. Following this, the dance team HolyBang, winners of "Street Woman Fighter" in 2021, will perform in Hanbok, blending traditional imagery with modern style.

This year, six individuals will be recognized for their contributions to the Hanbok field. The Hanbok Culture Merit Award will go to Professor Emeritus Lee Eunju of the National Gyeongguk University, who has dedicated 40 years to the study and education of Korean costume history. The Hanbok Person of the Year Award will be presented to designer Lee Hyang, who has inherited and developed Hanbok through three generations of store operation at Gwangjang Market. The Young Hanbok Person Award will go to designer Shin Junyoung, recognized for creative designs and collaborations with various domestic and international brands. The Outstanding Public Official Award will be given to Noh Hyewon, Policy Team Leader of the Busan Metropolitan City Cultural Heritage Division, for contributions to the activation of the Busan Hanbok Culture Creative Center. The Outstanding Hanbok Culture Education Instructor Award will go to Lee Soonhak, head of the Korea Costume Craft Research Institute, for contributions to Hanbok culture education in elementary, middle, and high schools. The award for the largest institution adopting Hanbok as work attire will be presented to the National Asian Culture Center.

Over 360 venues nationwide will host a variety of Hanbok culture events, including fashion shows, hands-on experiences, and forums. On October 20 and 21, a "Traveling Hanbok Store Promotion Hall" will be set up in the lobby on the third floor of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. This is the third Hanbok Store event this year, following those in Sejong City in June and COEX in August, and is a core project by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote everyday use of Hanbok and strengthen connections between Hanbok and consumers. The "Traveling Hanbok Store Promotion Hall" is co-hosted by the "Assembly Members Who Love Hanbok" group (co-chaired by Assembly members Baek Hyeryeon and Lee Inseon), 113 National Assembly members, and the Ministry. Ten Hanbok brands will participate, showcasing over 100 types of traditional Hanbok, daily Hanbok, and Hanbok work attire. Modern Hanbok inspired by "K-Pop Demon Hunters" and K-pop singers will also be exhibited, highlighting the new appeal of Hanbok. There will be exhibitions and hands-on experiences with traditional accessories such as gat and norigae, offering visitors to the National Assembly a variety of enjoyable activities. A signature campaign for the enactment of the "Hanbok Culture Industry Promotion Act," sponsored by Assemblywoman Lim Ohkyung, will also take place.

Additionally, various entrance discounts will be available for Hanbok wearers at both private and national cultural facilities and institutions: 50% off at Lotte World (October 21-31), 35% off at Seoul Sky (October 21-31), free admission to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul, Deoksugung, Gwacheon, Cheongju; October 21-26), and 50% off Saturday Masterpiece Performances at the National Gugak Center (October 25).

On October 22, the National Folk Museum of Korea will host an academic symposium to support the inscription of "Hanbok Life" on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, aiming to raise the international profile of Hanbok culture. The launch ceremony for the Hanbok Life UNESCO Inscription Promotion Group will also be held. Across various regions, Hanbok Creative Centers (in Sangju, North Gyeongsang; Jeonju, North Jeolla; Gangneung, Gangwon; Busan; and Boseong, South Jeolla) will serve as hubs for local Hanbok experience events linked to regional cultural resources. Ten Hanbok-themed events selected through public contest, such as "Hanbok Exchange Market" and "Plogging in Hanbok," will also take place.

Detailed programs and schedules for the 2025 Hanbok Culture Week can be found on the official website.

Choi Hwiyeong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "Hanbok, which embodies the identity and wisdom of our people, is not only a part of modern daily life but also a key asset of K-culture that is attracting global attention. Through this Hanbok Culture Week, I hope the public will discover new value in Hanbok and that people around the world will be able to appreciate the depth of Hanbok culture together."