Greeting Gyeongju Citizens and Taking Photos Together
Introducing Korean "Gat" Fashion to the Canadian Prime Minister's Spouse
On the 30th, Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung, dressed in a hanbok, walked along the street connecting Daereungwon and Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, greeting tourists and Gyeongju citizens and taking photos. Channel A
On the 30th, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, wife of President Lee Jaemyung, met with hanbok designers in Gyeongju on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to promote hanbok. In particular, Mrs. Kim was seen wearing hanbok during the APEC period, visiting places such as Cheomseongdae and Daereungwon in Gyeongju, greeting citizens, and taking commemorative photos together.
On the 30th, Presidential Office Deputy Spokesperson Jeon Eunsu reported that Mrs. Kim held a tea meeting with five hanbok designers and promoted hanbok while walking near Daereungwon and Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju. Attendees at this tea meeting included Song Sunmin, the artistic director who oversaw the APEC Hanbok Fashion Show held on the 29th, as well as Lee Hyesoon (CEO of Damyeon), Lee Hyemi (CEO of Saimdang), Song Hyemi (CEO of Seodamhwa), Park Sunyoung (CEO of Nabi Hanbok), and Lee Yesim (CEO of Orimi).
Mrs. Kim stated that hanbok is a representative cultural asset unique to Korea that symbolizes K-culture, and said she is making efforts to promote hanbok, such as participating in the recent Hanbok Culture Week opening ceremony and the "#HanbokHae-yo" hashtag campaign. The designers suggested that it is necessary to reconsider the naming of hanbok to properly convey the value of traditional hanbok. They expressed concerns that terms like "modified hanbok," "daily hanbok," and "new hanbok" might give the impression that traditional hanbok is uncomfortable or lacking, which could distance traditional hanbok from everyday life.
The "Hanbok Hae-yo Challenge" event is held to celebrate Hanbok Culture Week, where participants share photos and videos of themselves wearing or enjoying hanbok in daily life, spreading the beauty of hanbok. Photo by the Presidential Office Yonhap News Agency
In response, Mrs. Kim said, "Just as the roots and base of a large tree must be strong for meaningful change to occur, it is fortunate that there are designers striving to preserve the most authentically Korean aspects of hanbok, especially as people around the world now prefer the most traditional forms of Korean cuisine over fusion dishes." She added, "I will continue to actively wear hanbok at official events both at home and abroad to elevate the dignity of traditional Korean attire."
After the tea meeting, Mrs. Kim moved to Gyochon Village in Gyeongju, where she had a Korean lunch featuring bulgogi bibimbap and galbijjim. Afterwards, dressed in hanbok, she walked along the street connecting Daereungwon and Cheomseongdae, greeting foreign tourists and Gyeongju citizens and taking photos with them.
The previous day, Mrs. Kim attended a hanbok fashion show held against the backdrop of Woljeonggyo in Gyeongju to commemorate the APEC Summit, accompanied by Mrs. Carney and others. Wearing hanbok herself, Mrs. Kim introduced the traditional Korean hat "gat" to Mrs. Carney and explained its significance in hanbok attire. According to the Presidential Office, Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Carney shared a conversation about the beauty and meaning of the colorful hanbok. Known for her affection and interest in hanbok, Mrs. Kim also expressed her gratitude to hanbok professionals and citizens who are actively promoting the beauty of hanbok worldwide.
Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung and Mrs. Diana Fox Carney, spouse of the Canadian Prime Minister, are taking a commemorative photo on the 30th at the Silla Millennium Archive of Gyeongju Museum in Gyeongbuk before their conversation. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Recently, Mrs. Kim has been actively promoting Korean culture and cuisine at every diplomatic event. On the 27th (local time), she accompanied President Lee to Malaysia for the Korea-ASEAN Summit, attended the "K-Fresh Food Universe" event held at a local shopping mall, and personally greeted local visitors.
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