First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Promotes Traditional Crafts Through Norigae-Making Session with Foreign Youth

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of President Lee Jae-myung, promoted Korean traditional craft culture by participating in a session to make "Norigae," a traditional Korean accessory, alongside foreign youth and influencers.

First Lady Kim visited Mugaewon, a traditional culture space in Jongno-gu, Seoul, today (July 20).

The event was attended by influencers who promote Korean culture, including Pham Thi Bich Nguyet (Vietnam), Laura Mai Schultz (Estonia), and Deepali (India), as well as Korea.net honorary reporters Sarah O'Kelly (Egypt), Yang Siwei (China), Nguyen Thi Hien (Vietnam), Tasmia Ahmed Duti (Bangladesh), and Pascal Peweßdorf (Germany).

Wearing a yellow "Hanbok" and a red "Binyeo" (hairpin), First Lady Kim remarked, "Whenever I travel abroad, I am surprised to see how much higher the interest in Korean culture has become compared to the past," adding, "I am amazed by the immense interest in "K-pop," dramas, food, and beauty."

She continued, "The "Norigae" is a traditional Korean craft that wishes for health, peace, and happiness," and added, "I hope this will be a meaningful time to experience the beauty and value of our culture while feeling the meaning and sincerity contained in every small ornament."

Following this, First Lady Kim and the participants listened to the instructor's guidance and completed their own "Norigae" using various ornaments and beads.

After the session, they held a discussion to freely share opinions on the modern application of Korean traditional crafts and ways to promote them overseas.

"Making it myself allowed me to feel the delicate beauty of our crafts and the dedication of the artisans even more closely," said First Lady Kim. "As the demand from foreign tourists for experiencing Korean traditional crafts has increased significantly recently, I hope that more people, including youth and foreigners, will be able to experience our crafts."

Ahn Gwi-ryeong, Deputy Spokesperson for the Presidential Office, explained in a written briefing, "This event was organized to experience the charm of our craft culture and support the globalization of Korean traditional crafts by making "Norigae," a representative accessory and craft of traditional Korean attire, together with foreign participants who are promoting Korea to the world."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.