By Honorary Reporter Ana Caroline Bergamaschi Farias from Brazil
Photos = Park Jun-won and Ana Caroline Bergamaschi Farias

Hanbok is traditional Korean wear, with the term literally meaning "Korean clothing." It basically consists of two pieces: jeogori (upper body garment) worn by men and women and chima (long skirt) by women; men wear Hanbok pants.

To show the Brazilian public the beauty of this clothing, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Sao Paolo organized a Hanbok fashion show as part of K-Expo, an annual event the KCC holds to promote Korean culture. Just like last year, the 2021 event had to be held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was still fun. As the event was livestreamed, people from all over Brazil could watch. 

This year's K-Expo included a K-pop cover contest, calligraphy and Hangeul classes, chats on K-dramas, gayageum (zither) concert, online meeting with the K-pop girl group Black Swan, performance by Korean Brazilian drummer Victor Han aka "Victor the Drummer" and a magnificent Hanbok fashion show that I took part in.

A few weeks before the event, the KCC on its official Instagram account said registration would be opened to the public for participation in the Hanbok parade at the event. As a Hallyu aficionado, I signed up right away and did what was needed to join the parade. Those selected had to attend rehearsal before the event to learn how to parade while wearing Hanbok.

The outfits were made by renowned stylist Kim Hye-soon and her brand Yejeong Kim Hye-soon Hanbok. She has appeared at over 50 invitational Hanbok fashion shows in 25 countries. The show's themes were "tour" and "four seasons" in displaying different Hanbok for each season. I wore a design that represented autumn. 

In addition, I was invited by the KCC to participate in a report on Korean culture for Globo Group, the largest media group in Latin America based in Rio de Janeiro. To take part in the recording, I had to fly to Rio, and with other models from the event, I was a presenter at the Hanbok experiential corner of the exhibition "Coreia (Korea) in Rio." I briefly discussed the history of Hanbok and showed details of the traditional clothing. 

This was my most amazing experience with Korean culture. To present Korean culture to the Brazilian public was gratifying and I am eternally grateful for this opportunity. I hope that more Korean culture gains space and visibility in Brazil and elsewhere in the world.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.