The South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Kim Pankyu, has called for the global promotion of Korea’s cultural identity and traditional attire, Hanbok, through artistic platforms.
He made the call at the opening of the 2025 Hanbok exhibition held at the Nike Art Gallery in Abuja on Thursday.
Hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, is known for its vibrant colours and flowing lines, typically worn during ceremonies and cultural celebrations. Women’s Hanbok consists of a short jacket (jeogori) and long skirt (chima), while the men’s version features a jacket and loose-fitting trousers (baji).
The exhibition, themed “Hanbok Reborn as Art”, was organised by the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) and aimed at highlighting the rich history and enduring values of Hanbok as a symbol of Korean heritage.
Pankyu said the event was designed to offer more than visual appreciation, providing an immersive experience into Korea’s spirit and artistic evolution through Hanbok.
“This exhibition plays a crucial role in conveying the value of our traditional culture to future generations and promoting Korea’s cultural heritage on the world stage,” he said.
He explained that the theme reflects the transformation of Hanbok into a modern art form, while retaining its cultural essence, with the artworks on display crafted by 11 Korean artists from the Savina Museum.
“These modern artists have explored Korea’s identity through Hanbok’s shapes, colours, and textures to create pieces for a global audience,” he said.
Pankyu expressed gratitude to Mama Nike Okundaye for her longstanding support and friendship with Korea.
Speaking at the event, Okundaye, Founder and CEO of Nike Art Gallery, thanked the Korean Embassy for facilitating the cultural partnership and expressed admiration for Korea’s dedication to art and tourism.
“This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. I urge Nigerian artists to witness the beauty and craftsmanship of Korean artworks on display,” she said.
She noted the similarities between Korean and Nigerian textiles and stressed the importance of partnerships to showcase local heritage.
“When I visited Korea, everyone wore their fabric. Like ours, it reflects identity. Both countries have rich textiles tailored to their climates, and such collaboration is a welcome development,” she added.
Ms Yunjin Lee, KCCN Event Manager, said the exhibition focused on vivid colours, which resonate with both Korean and Nigerian traditional costumes.
Mr Han Sang-IK, Curator of the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art, said the showcase explores the fusion of tradition and modernity in contemporary art.
The event concluded with a fashion show by models from KCCN and Nike Art Gallery, featuring traditional attires from both nations.
(NAN)