Gyeongju: First lady Kim Hea Kyung has been showcasing traditional Korean attire by wearing and promoting hanbok during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim held a tea meeting on Thursday with five hanbok designers to express her appreciation for their work in highlighting the attire’s cultural significance. She pledged her commitment to promoting hanbok, stating, “I will help elevate its global stature by wearing it on official occasions in and out of the country,” as noted by the presidential office.

Following the tea meeting, Kim, adorned in a hanbok with a white upper garment and crimson skirt, interacted with tourists and citizens on the streets of Gyeongju, taking photos and engaging in conversations. Her choice of attire also carried diplomatic significance. Earlier in the day, she met with Diana Fox Carney, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, wearing an outfit that mirrored the colors of the Canadian flag, symbolizing mutual respect and diplomatic ties.

Kim’s dedication to hanbok was further evident on Wednesday when she attended a hanbok fashion show set against the backdrop of a scenic bridge in the historic city.