The South Korean government has designated the last Wednesday of every month as “Hanbok Day.” (Image courtesy of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism)
SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — The South Korean government has designated the last Wednesday of every month as “Hanbok Day,” encouraging civil servants in government offices, local municipalities, and public institutions to wear the country’s traditional attire to work.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate traditional culture into everyday life and position it as a pillar of K-culture.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced the plan during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, outlining the nation’s first Traditional Culture Industry Promotion Basic Plan, a requirement under the Traditional Culture Industry Promotion Act enacted in September 2023.
Promoting Hanbok and Cultural Appreciation
The government aims to modernize and promote traditional cultural industries while developing them into high-value sectors of the Hallyu (Korean Wave) movement. Among the measures is the introduction of Hanbok as uniforms for frontline staff in museums, art galleries, cultural centers, and other public institutions.
Additionally, national holidays and 57 commemorative days will adopt Hanbok as a “dress code” to encourage its regular use.
The third week of October has also been declared “Hanbok Culture Week,” during which public campaigns will further promote wearing Hanbok.
Long-Term Vision for Traditional Culture
The plan spans 2024 to 2029, targeting the integration of traditional culture into modern industries. It includes strategies to boost demand for traditional cultural goods by fostering consumption and raising public awareness.
Minister Yoo In-chon emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating, “Over the next five years, we aim to work with government agencies, local municipalities, public institutions, and the private sector to transform traditional culture into a high-value-added Hallyu industry.”
This ambitious plan marks a significant step in preserving and modernizing Korea’s cultural heritage while aligning it with the global K-culture phenomenon.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
