The South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Kim Pankyu, has called for greater global promotion of Korea’s cultural identity and artistic heritage through the traditional attire known as Hanbok.
He made the appeal during the opening of the 2025 Hanbok exhibition, held on Thursday at the Nike Art Gallery in Abuja.
Hanbok refers to Korea’s traditional clothing, known for its elegance, rich colours, and deep cultural meaning. Typically worn on special occasions such as ceremonies and celebrations, the Hanbok for women comprises a short jacket (jeogori) and a long, flowing skirt (chima), while the male version includes a jacket and loose-fitting trousers (baji).
The exhibition, themed “Hanbok Reborn as Art”, was organised by the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) and showcased the cultural significance of Hanbok through contemporary artistic interpretations.
Ambassador Pankyu noted that the exhibition sought to offer more than passive viewing, encouraging visitors to actively engage with Korea’s traditions through art.
“This exhibition offers a gateway to understanding Korea’s unique heritage and spirit through contemporary artwork inspired by the Hanbok,” he said. “It also plays a vital role in transmitting the value of traditional culture to future generations and promoting Korean heritage on the global stage.”
He explained that the concept behind “Hanbok Reborn as Art” stems from the deep-rooted traditions of Korea, reflecting centuries of cultural evolution. He noted that while modern influences have shaped the Hanbok, its essence remains intact.
“Through the work of 11 Korean artists, we explore identity, form, and colour to present the Hanbok as a bridge between past and present,” Pankyu added.
He also expressed gratitude to renowned Nigerian artist and gallery owner, Mama Nike Okundaye, for her enduring support of Korean culture and the continued friendship between their nations.
In her remarks, Mama Okundaye, founder and CEO of Nike Art Gallery, thanked the ambassador for fostering cultural exchange between Nigeria and Korea. She praised South Korea’s vibrant arts and tourism sector, which she had experienced during a visit.
“This type of exhibition, which comes once a year, provides an opportunity to share and appreciate each other’s cultures,” she said. “I urge Nigerian artists to visit and be inspired by these beautiful hand-painted artworks using acrylic and oil on canvas.”
She highlighted the central role of textiles in both Nigerian and Korean cultures and stressed the importance of forging international partnerships to showcase local designs.
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“When I visited Korea, I saw how much pride they take in wearing their traditional fabrics. It’s similar to Nigeria, our textile is 100% cotton, rich and suited to our climate, just as theirs is to theirs,” she said.
She welcomed further partnerships across Africa, stating that Nigeria remains open to collaborations that promote culture and creativity.
Also speaking, Ms Yunjin Lee, Event Manager at KCCN, noted that the exhibition featured 11 artists from Korea’s Savina Museum of Contemporary Art. She said the works were selected for their vibrant colours, drawing a cultural parallel between Nigeria’s bold traditional attire and Korea’s.
Curator Mr Han Sang-Ik explained that the exhibition aimed to explore new artistic possibilities at the intersection of tradition and modernity.
“The featured artworks reflect a contemporary take on Korean identity and culture,” he said.
Among the artists whose work was showcased were Kwon Ki Soo, Kim Sir Hyun, Nam Kyung Min, Lee Don Ah, Yang Dae Won, Lee Soo In, and Jung Hai Yun.
The event concluded with a fashion show featuring models from the Korean Cultural Centre and Nike Art Gallery, who displayed the colourful traditional garments of both countries.
