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First Lady Kim Hye-kyung greets attendees during a Korean traditional craft norigae making workshop with international youth held at the Mugyewon Sarangchae in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on July 20. / Courtesy of Yonhap News

On July 20, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung crafted traditional norigae accessories alongside young foreigners, highlighting the rich meaning embedded in Korea's traditional craft heritage.

According to the Presidential Office, the event was organized to experience the charm of Korean craft culture together with foreign national promoters of Korea, while cheering on the globalization of traditional crafts.

The event was attended by international influencers and Korea.net honorary reporters from various nations, including Vietnam, Estonia, India, Egypt, China, Bangladesh, and Germany.

Entering the venue dressed in a yellow hanbok, First Lady Kim shook hands with each attendee, warmly greeting them with, "Hello. Where are you from?" To those wearing hanbok, she affectionately remarked, "The hanbok looks so wonderful on you," and "You look like a new groom."

First Lady Kim first toured the display of norigae and traditional accessories. Pointing to the silver norigae attached to her own hanbok, she shyly commented, "I brought and wore a norigae as well." After listening to explanations about traditional ornaments and decorative knotting (maedeup), she added, "It seems even more interesting when you know the story behind it," and "It's so beautiful."

The exhibition featured a wide variety of norigae made with jade, amber, coral, silver, and perfume pouches (hyangnang), alongside traditional ornaments such as hairpins (binyeo), rings (garakji), ceremonial crowns (jokduri), and hair ribbons (daenggi). Pointing to a pair of double rings (ssanggarakji), she remarked, "I heard this is a traditional Korean technique. The craft is so intricate and gorgeous, piece by piece."

During the hands-on workshop that followed, First Lady Kim welcomed the attendees, saying, "I am truly glad and grateful to meet all of you who are vividly sharing South Korea's charms with the world."

Following the craft session, an open discussion took place regarding modern applications for norigae and ideas for international promotion.

Sarah Oqelly, an Egyptian Korea.net honorary reporter, suggested, "It would be great if various everyday products reinterpreting norigae modernly—such as necklaces, earrings, and car accessories—were introduced," adding, "Releasing DIY norigae-making kits so foreigners can easily try it out would also generate great interest."

Tasmia Ahmed Duti, a Bangladeshi Korea.net honorary reporter, proposed, "I hope foreigners residing in regional areas outside Seoul can also have more opportunities to experience traditional culture like this."

After listening to the attendees' feedback, First Lady Kim stated, "As demand among foreign tourists to experience Korean traditional crafts has grown significantly in recent times, I hope even more people, including youth and foreigners, can directly experience our crafts." She added, "I will continue to extend ongoing interest and support so that the dedication of those who have preserved Korean traditional crafts can be more widely recognized and cherished."

                                                                                                       Park Young-hoon