Cultural Threads Unite: Visitors embrace beauty of Korean culture at SIBF

Sharjah: In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, visitors donned traditional Korean costumes as part of a unique Hanbok workshop hosted by the South Korea pavilion at the 42ndSharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

“For all those interested in our culture, this was a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the elegance of Korean Hanbok through various types of Hanbok experience, including trying out everyday wear, ceremonial attire, and royal garments,” said Kyung Pung ‘Harry’ Kang of the Korean Cultural Center UAE that organised the Hanbok Trial Programme to showcase traditional Korean costumes.

The event was part of South Korea’s  participation as the guest of honour at the 12-day event. Hanbok designs vary according to social status and occasions. With this experience, participants discovered the lives of people from Korea’s distant past,” he said.

The five-hour event saw participants not only immerse themselves in the beauty of Korean culture, but also discover the striking parallels between the intricate designs of Hanbok and their own traditional attire.

“It was my first time [wearing the Hanbok] and it was an absolutely beautiful experience”, said 29-year-old Emirati fashion enthusiast and K-pop fan Eman Ali. “And what’s more, it felt just like wearing the abaya.”

For Omani Amna AlShehhi, it was a long-cherished dream come true. “As a K-drama fan, I have always wanted to try out traditional Korean costumes because of how they look. And now I’m so glad that I eventually got the opportunity to try it out myself,” said the 25-year-old who’s working at the SIBF as a volunteer.

Meanwhile British-Sudanese Tharaa Alharith said she was so enamoured by the Hanbok that she could wear it every day. “I just wish I had one to wear all the time to work and other places,” said the 23-year-old fresh university graduate.

The hanbok is a traditional clothing of the Korean people who have worn it since antiquity. The ancient hanbok consisted of a jeogori (top), baji (pants), chima (skirt), and the po (coat).