Culture

May 13, 2025

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Deoksugung-gil Road in the Jeong-dong neighborhood of Seoul's Jung-gu District on May 2 was transformed into a fashion runway. "Seoul Fashion Road," an event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to reinterpret daily urban spaces as catwalks, was set against the backdrop of Jeong-dong, a historical and cultural space where tradition and modernity coexist, showcasing designs combining the beauty of traditional Hanbok (traditional clothing) with contemporary design sensibilities. Four outstanding Hanbok brands took center stage: Seodamhwa, Guiroe, Ccomaque and Hanbok Studio Hyeon. Known for raising the popularity of Hanbok through sophisticated designs and active public engagement, each brand embroidered its stories with its own philosophy and style.


By Margareth Theresia 
Photos = Lee Jeongwoo

'Seoul Fashion Road': turning Deoksugung-gil into runway



"Seoul Fashion Road," which marked its second edition this year, is a global fashion event that transforms the nation's capital into a runway every spring and fall. The show promotes the growth and competitiveness of promising domestic fashion brands, and this year's spring edition was held twice on May 2 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.


Elegant lines that exude nature's colors: Seodamhwa's Hanbok collection

Seodamhwa, a Hanbok brand whose name literally means


Seodamhwa, a Hanbok brand whose name literally means "slowly captured harmony," blends nature-inspired colors with traditional fabrics to showcase the graceful and understated beauty of the outfits. The brand took part in last year's Hanbok Culture Exchange Fashion Show hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.



Connecting tradition and the world: Guiroe's globally inspired Hanbok


Guiroe, which means


Guiroe, which means "standing at a crossroads" in Korean, lives up to its name as a globalized Korean brand rooted in the refined silhouette of Hanbok that resonates with people worldwide. The brand was named 2022 Hanbok Designer of the Year by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and designed the Hanbok outfits shown in hit dramas like "Itaewon Class" and "Treasure Island."



Witty tradition with youthful touch: Ccomaque's Hanbok proposal


Ccomaque, a youth brand under the Hanbok label Dolsilnai, resonates with the younger generation with witty designs faithful to the basics, with this collection presenting a more modern and youthful style while maintaining the unique elements of Hanbok. In 2019, Ccomaque won the Hanbok Cultural Merit Award from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.


Ccomaque, a youth brand under the Hanbok label Dolsilnai, resonates with the younger generation with witty designs faithful to the basics, with this collection presenting a more modern and youthful style while maintaining the unique elements of Hanbok. In 2019, Ccomaque won the Hanbok Cultural Merit Award from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.



Sophisticated variation of tradition in daily life: Hanbok Studio Hyeon


lending traditional Hanbok with modern designs, Hanbok Studio Hyeon specializes in stylish pieces for everyday wear. The brand last year was named Hanbok Designer of the Year by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and designed outfits for actor Kim Tae-ri and 2010 Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna.  .


Blending traditional Hanbok with modern designs, Hanbok Studio Hyeon specializes in stylish pieces for everyday wear. The brand last year was named Hanbok Designer of the Year by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and designed outfits for actor Kim Tae-ri and 2010 Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna.



When a Hanbok designer becomes one with the audience


Designer Kwon Hyejin from Hanbok Studio Hyeon and her models bow to the audience after their show, receiving applause.


Designer Kwon Hyejin from Hanbok Studio Hyeon and her models bow to the audience after their show, receiving applause.



3D encounter between fashion and music


This orchestra combines waltzes and K-drama music to open and close the fashion show. .


This orchestra combines waltzes and K-drama music to open and close the fashion show.

margareth@korea.kr