By Honorary Reporter Minnath Azeez from Sri Lanka
Photos = Kwon Hye-jin, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Craft and Design Foundation through Feb. 24 hosts the "Hanbok Uniform Exhibition" at Culture Station 284 next to Seoul Station. Kwon Hye-jin is one of the designers taking part in the exhibition, which displays over 30 Hanbok designed for the hotel and tourism industry and 15 Hanbok-style school uniforms.

Studying clothing and textiles in graduate school at Ewha Womans University, Kwon also teaches Korean dress and Hanbok design at the same university. Her collections have been worn by K-pop girl group Momoland, Youngji from Kara and other Korean celebrities.

The following are excerpts from a Feb. 22 interview with Kwon on her collection displayed at the exhibition.

Hanbok designer Kwon Hye-jin (middle) poses with K-pop girl group Momoland. (Kwon Hye-jin)

How different is Hanbok for work compared to the traditional versions? 

I usually design fashionable Hanbok but I considered the practical aspect when designing Hanbok for work. So I thought about designing active work clothes while conveying the beauty of Hanbok by adding modern materials and technology to the materials and patterns. I used stretchable spandex fabrics and strong synthetic wool rather than traditional silk, and developed digital printing materials by designing new Korean patterns. But above all, I tried to put the beautiful characteristics of traditional Hanbok in my designs so that the Korean identity could be recognizable even with a single glance.

What do you think about Hanbok being turned into uniforms for school or work?
It's an excellent opportunity to convey the beauty of Korea from the clothes worn by workers. It's also a great way to promote Hanbok because ordinary people can get more familiar with it by looking at Hanbok-style work clothes.

Hanbok designer Kwon Hye-jin's Hanbok for work collection (Kwon Hye-jin)

How was it working with other designers?
We couldn't meet often or hold big events due to COVID-19 but it was great to see models wearing the clothes. Though a fashion show wasn't held this time, we promoted the Hanbok for work we designed through beautiful videos. Working with other Hanbok designers allowed us to give advice, exchange ideas and become friends and was an opportunity to think and learn more than designing alone.

enny0611@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.