Rang De Korea: India hosts first-ever Hanbok fashion show supported by Korea Culture Diplomatic Mission

NEW DELHI: The 2-day grand event Rang De Korea orgnaised by the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI), to commemorate its 10th anniversary of establishment in India, witnessed the Hanbok fashion show also, a frist ever such initiative in India. It was organized with the aim to introduce and promote the Korean identity which is rooted in the cultural dress, said Samuel Jeong, vice president of the Korean Culture Promotion Association, Korea Culture Diplomatic Mission who along with artists flew in from South Korea to New Delhi for this event.

“Hanbok defines Korean identity deeply and it is the first thing that comes to mind firstly when we talk about Korean culture. Like there is sari to India, it is Hanbok to South Korea,” said Jeong (Chang), who designed and directed the fashion show in India along with his team from Korea.

”In terms of colours too, India and Korea are very similar. In Korea, there are five preferred colours which are called ‘obangsaek’ (white, black, blue, yellow and red).  If I get another chance to visit India, I plan to incorporate these similarities between the two countries in a fashion show in the future,” Jeong added.

The festival started with traditional Korean Music Samulnori and Haegeum performance, which was followed by the first ever Korean traditional wedding ceremony taking place in India on such a grand stage. Two couples got selected through a preliminary event, today, Indian Couple Vishal Gupta and Jyoti Gupta tied their knot in traditional Korean style in the presence of their family and friends. Korea and India both having the same values put a lot of meaning and importance to this gracious occasion, its customs, ceremonies, traditions, and celebration. This special event was a mirror of Korean culture, reflecting traditional music, dances, and etiquettes.

There was energetic Taekwondo performance by K-Tigers who are globalizing Taekwondo (Korean Traditional Martial Arts & Sports) through well-made performances and demonstrations.

Then came the ‘ID’ Korean fusion music band that combined the traditional Korean music with the rhythm and modes of the Western music. It made the audience tap their toes on their beats.

The festival also saw huge participation in traditional Korean game experience like  jegichagi, yut , tuho, marbles, dalgonal which had many similarity with Indian games played at childhood. Visitors also enjoyed ‘Squid Game’ which took the participation at another level.

The festival was inaugurated by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India Chang Jae-bok and chief guest Kumar Tuhin Director General, ICCR.

Chang Jae-bok while welcoming the ‘friends of Korea’ said, the journey of Korean Culture Centre over the past 10 years in popularizing Korean culture in India has been truly momentous. Thanks to its dedication and efforts, Indian people, particularly youth who are better aware of Korea and its multi-hued culture.  Today, from music to movies, fashion to food, Indian youths have begun loving everything Korean. He also acknowledged the support of Indian partners and the Government of India without whose active cooperation, the cultural centre would not have crossed this significant milestone. We look forward to your continued support.

He also appreciated artists, performers and other cultural personalities who played important role in this journey.

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