[Gyeongju APEC] First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Showcases the Beauty of Hanbok... Promotes K-Culture in Gyeongju

Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung Wears Hanbok Throughout 3-Day Official Events
Showcasing Not Only Hanbok, But Also Korean Religion, History, and Cuisine

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, wife of President Lee Jaemyung, drew attention by wearing hanbok throughout all her official engagements during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. As the host of the summit's spouse program, Mrs. Kim facilitated cultural exchange with the spouses of world leaders through programs highlighting Korean history, cuisine, and religion, all centered around Korean culture.

Yonhap News Agency

From October 29 to 31, Mrs. Kim appeared in hanbok at every official event. On October 29, she wore a light pink jeogori (jacket) and a jade-green skirt at the hanbok fashion show held on the special floating stage at Woljeonggyo in Gyeongju. During the show, she introduced the traditional "gat" hat to Diana Fox Carney, spouse of the Canadian Prime Minister.

The following day, October 30, at a meeting with Mrs. Carney, Mrs. Kim wore a white jeogori and a red skirt, reminiscent of the Canadian flag. Expressing her warmth, Mrs. Kim said, "It feels like meeting a friend," upon seeing Mrs. Carney again. Mrs. Carney not only complimented the hanbok but also shared stories about her daughter, who is interested in Korea, saying, "(My daughter) wants to have K-beauty products, so she gave me a shopping list for a store called 'Olive Young.'" The two discussed Korean cosmetics together.

Yonhap News Agency

Mrs. Kim then visited the Gyeongju National Museum to tour the "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige" exhibition, where the Silla gold crown and gold belt are displayed together. At a tea gathering with hanbok designers, she heard suggestions that terms such as "modified hanbok," "everyday hanbok," and "new hanbok" should be reconsidered to better convey the value of traditional hanbok. Designers pointed out that such terms could create the perception that traditional hanbok is uncomfortable or lacking. After the tea gathering, Mrs. Kim walked through Gyochon Village in Gyeongju in hanbok, greeting local residents.

On October 31, Mrs. Kim hosted a spouse event at Bulguksa in Gyeongju, inviting the spouses of leaders from six countries: Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. She wore a jade-green jeogori and a pale yellow skirt. Mrs. Kim gifted the guests hand warmers placed inside traditional lucky pouches, as featured in the Netflix animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters." The program also included experiences of Korean religion and cuisine.

Yonhap News Agency

Mrs. Kim and the spouses listened to explanations of cultural heritage from Buddhist monks, participated in a Korean cuisine experience making dasik (traditional tea snacks) with beans as the main ingredient at Museoljeon, and enjoyed a traditional tea ceremony. The luncheon featured a menu created in special collaboration with "Onjium," a Michelin one-star Korean restaurant.

The spouse program concluded with performances and exhibitions promoting K-culture. There was a piano performance by world-renowned pianist Sunwoo Ye-kwon, a performance by the gugak (traditional Korean music) idol and vocalist Kim Junsu, and a hanbok fashion show themed "Pungnyu" directed by Song Sunmin. After viewing a special exhibition of Nam June Paik, Mrs. Kim presented the spouses with gifts including "Myuz" (a portmanteau of museum and goods), K-beauty products, mother-of-pearl lacquerware sets, and teacups.

Yonhap News Agency

At the APEC Summit gala dinner held that evening, Mrs. Kim appeared in a purple jeogori and a green skirt, both adorned with gold traditional patterns, adding an air of elegance. Together with President Lee, dressed in a suit, Mrs. Kim welcomed world leaders and heads of international organizations attending the dinner. She also took part in the opening ceremony of "Hanbok Culture Week" and the "#Hanbokhaeyo" hashtag campaign, actively promoting hanbok to the world.