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| Samuel Jeong, chair of the Korea Hanbok Model Contest Organizing Committee. |
At Paris Fashion Week, the timeless beauty of Korea’s traditional hanbok once again left a striking impression on international audiences.
The Korea Hanbok Model Contest Organizing Committee, chaired by Samuel Jeong, said on the 11th that it held the 6th France Hanbok Model Contest at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile in Paris on the 7th.
The event aimed to bring hanbok to a global audience and served as a cultural exchange celebrating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France.
Hosted by the Korean Culture Promotion Association, the program was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and the Hanbok Globalization Foundation.
Interest in the contest was strong: 386 people applied this year. Of those, 105 advanced to the main round, and 42 finalists showcased the elegance of hanbok on the final stage.
After a fierce competition, top honors went to Caruel Catherine ('Jin'), Marmin Caroline ('Seon'), and Binda Nsakala Blessing ('Mi').
They have been officially invited to compete in the final round of the 2026 Korea Hanbok Model Contest, scheduled for June 27 and produced by Inspire Entertainment.
In a touching moment at the event, organizers invited families of French war veterans and presented them with hanbok. The committee expressed gratitude for the veterans' sacrifices and service to Korea, noting that their dedication helped Korean culture gain wider recognition around the world.
Samuel Jeong, president of the Korean Culture Promotion Association, said, \"It's meaningful to demonstrate in France and across Europe that hanbok is a cultural heritage that flatters anyone, regardless of nationality or race. We will continue expanding cultural diplomacy centered on hanbok to share the value and charm of Korean culture worldwide.\"
Lee Uk-hyun, defense attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in France, added, \"On the 140th anniversary of Korea–France diplomatic relations, this cultural exchange is especially significant. I hope cultural cooperation and mutual understanding between our countries continue to grow.\"
The winners of the 2025 Korea Hanbok Model Contest — Kang Yeon-jae (Jin), Kwon Yeon-ju (Seon), and Kim Su-yeon (Mi) — joined French models on the finale runway, showcasing hanbok's graceful silhouettes to enthusiastic applause.
The Korea Hanbok Model Contest Organizing Committee continues to stage hanbok model contests abroad, helping to spread Korea’s traditional culture on the international stage.
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| Participants in the 6th France Hanbok Model Contest pose in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. / Photo: Korea Hanbok Model Contest Organizing Committee |
