"Is This Really Hanbok?"... Korea Village in Saudi Arabia Faces Controversy Over Bizarre Hanbok Designs

Controversy Grows Over Non-Traditional Hanbok Designs
"Plastering the Taegukgi All Over Doesn't Make It Hanbok"

'Korea Village,' established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has become embroiled in controversy over distortion, as Hanbok designs that are far removed from traditional styles appeared at the festival site, contrary to its stated purpose of promoting Korean traditional culture to the world.

The appearance of Hanbok at 'Korea Village' in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Professor Seo Kyungduk

In October, 'Korea Village' was set up in the central business district of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. This space, located within a key area of Saudi Arabia's flagship global festival 'Riyadh Season,' has drawn attention as a strategic hub for expanding Korean culture in the Middle East.

The venue features a comprehensive showcase of Korean culture, including K-pop performances, Korean food experiences (K-food), K-fashion exhibitions, traditional Hanbok experiences, and displays of crafts such as mother-of-pearl lacquerware.

However, controversy arose when Hanbok featured in videos related to Korea Village were found to be markedly different from traditional Hanbok designs. On December 9, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University stated on his social media platform, "In these SNS videos, women wearing bizarre versions of Hanbok have continued to appear, sparking debate."

The outfits in the videos are adorned with multiple Taegukgi (Korean flag) emblems. Professor Seo pointed out, "Even Hanbok experts say these designs are far from traditional Hanbok, and, above all, simply plastering the Taegukgi all over does not make it Hanbok."

There are concerns that such cases of traditional costume distortion could provide unnecessary grounds for debate, especially as China has been consistently claiming that Hanbok is merely a variation of Hanfu.

Professor Seo emphasized, "Although this project began with the positive intention of promoting Korean culture in the Middle East, more consultation regarding Korea's traditional costume, Hanbok, should have taken place. It is essential to replace these costumes with authentic Hanbok to prevent misunderstandings among people in the Middle East."

Meanwhile, it is known that Korea Village was planned by a Korean company and is jointly operated by SELA, a cultural content agency under Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), among others.