From October 19 to 25, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation announced the launch of the '2026 Hanbok Culture Week' at major venues across the country and abroad.
Now in its ninth year, Hanbok Culture Week will showcase the charm of hanbok through various programs, including exhibitions, experiences, and performances at over 410 participating locations, including the National Museum of Korea and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
On October 21, Hanbok Day, a commemorative event for the opening of the 2026 Hanbok Culture Week will be held at the National Museum of Korea's outdoor plaza. During the event, five individuals who contributed to the inheritance, development, popularization, and industrialization of hanbok culture will receive commendations and certificates from the Minister of Culture. Themed 'Hanbok Embracing Light,' the event will feature a fashion show blending traditional and modern styles, starting with a performance by Kim Yoon-ah, the vocalist of the band Jaurim, followed by a showcase of unique hanbok designs from five brands. The traditional performance group 'Yeonhee Connect' will conclude the event with a display of traditional music, lion dance, and large kite performances.
Participating venues across the country and abroad will offer programs allowing visitors to experience the beauty of hanbok firsthand. At Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, campaigns on 'Wearing Hanbok Correctly' and traditional hanbok exhibitions will be held. Regions such as Gangneung, Jeonju, Busan, North Gyeongsang, and South Jeolla will present unique programs linked to their cultural resources. Jeonju will host hanbok accessory-making workshops and a hanbok festival, while South Jeolla will offer exhibitions and experience programs utilizing natural dyeing.
At Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul, a program titled 'Young Scholar's Entrance Ceremony,' based on the entrance ceremony of a Joseon Dynasty crown prince, will take place, while Daejeon will host a hanbok exhibition and educational programs under the theme 'Hanbok, Crossing Lines.'
Special benefits are available for visitors wearing hanbok. Lotte World is offering a 50% discount on admission fees from October 19 to 31, while Seoul Sky is providing a 35% discount during the same period. The National Gugak Center will also offer a 50% discount on tickets for its Saturday performances on October 24. Additionally, various cultural and artistic institutions and tourism facilities nationwide will provide discounts, free admission, and various experiences and events.
Major overseas venues in Canada, Japan, and Denmark will also offer programs for hanbok wearing experiences and hanbok etiquette education.
Minister Choi Hwi-young expressed hope that this year's Hanbok Culture Week will remind people of the efforts of those who have preserved the tradition of hanbok and encourage more citizens to wear and enjoy hanbok in their daily lives.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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