Seoul invites residents to modern hanbok fashion show along Deoksu Palace wall

The official poster for the 2025 Seoul Fashion Road show slated for May 2 / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is hosting a modern "hanbok" fashion show on May 2 along the stone-walled path outside Deoksu Palace in Jung District.

The show will be held twice — at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. — spotlighting a new wave of hanbok, Korea's traditional attire, reimagined with contemporary flair. The runway will stretch from the palace's Daehan Gate to the roundabout by the Seoul Museum of Art, offering a fusion of history and style.

Four hanbok brands — Seodamhwa, Guiroe, Ccomaque and Studio Hyeon — all known for their craftsmanship and efforts to modernize the garment, will take part in the event.

"The stone walls of Deoksugung-gil and the surrounding historic architecture create vastly different atmospheres depending on the light," said Joo Yong-tae, Seoul's director-general of economy. "That's why this fashion show was designed to unfold in both daylight and evening."

"We hope many citizens will experience this picture-perfect runway where hanbok meets the beauty of Deoksugung-gil," Joo added.

The fashion show is part of the broader Seoul Fashion Road initiative, aimed at elevating the city's global profile and expanding the business potential of local designers.

The runway event debuted last year, staging shows at Seokchon Lake in Songpa District last May and Ttukseom Hangang Park in Gwangjin District last August.

Spectators photograph models on the runway during a fashion show at Seokchon Lake in Seoul, May 31, 2024. Newsis

Those interested in attending can apply for seats through the official Seoul Fashion Road Instagram account until April 27. A total of 300 attendees will be selected for each show via a lottery.