October 21 Designated as 'Hanbok Day'... 'Hanbok Cultural Industry Promotion Act' Passed by National Assembly
by Park Pyunghee
Published 31 Mar.2026 18:24(KST)
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on March 31 that the National Assembly has passed the 'Hanbok Cultural Industry Promotion Act,' a bill designed to systematically foster Hanbok. With this, a foundation has been established for the promotion of Hanbok culture and the development of the Hanbok industry.
Hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, has evolved and been passed down over many generations, accompanying the lives of the Korean people. However, as Western lifestyles have become more prevalent, Hanbok has gradually disappeared from daily life. Additionally, the simplification of traditional wedding ceremonies and the decline in wearing Hanbok during major holidays have led to a decrease in demand for traditional Hanbok, resulting in a contraction of the Hanbok industry itself. The Hanbok Cultural Industry Promotion Act was first proposed in the 19th National Assembly in 2013, but suffered repeated submissions and rejections, leaving it adrift for years.
Recently, however, the industry structure has begun to change, with modern reinterpretations of Hanbok-known as daily Hanbok-gaining popularity among younger generations and the Hanbok rental business growing. This has intensified calls for systematic policies to preserve Hanbok’s unique value while harmoniously blending it with contemporary sensibilities and establishing it as an everyday cultural practice.
This newly enacted law provides a legal basis for the promotion of Hanbok culture and the advancement of the industry. The act mandates the establishment of a 'Hanbok Cultural Industry Promotion Master Plan' every five years and the preparation of annual implementation plans. It also requires regular surveys of the industry to enhance policy continuity and on-the-ground effectiveness. Furthermore, it specifies support measures for sustainable growth, such as cultivating professionals, discovering and rewarding outstanding cases, supporting Hanbok culture education, backing startups and production, and promoting research and development. Notably, the act designates October 21 each year as 'Hanbok Day' and the corresponding week as 'Hanbok Culture Week,' creating opportunities to boost public interest.
The Ministry stated that it will actively pursue policies to promote the daily use, industrialization, and globalization of Hanbok, leveraging the enactment of this law as a turning point.
First, to encourage daily use, the Ministry will expand public participation events linked to major occasions such as national holidays and Hanbok Culture Week, and strengthen partnerships with cultural institutions such as national and public museums and local Hanbok culture studios to offer a variety of programs that can be enjoyed together with Hanbok.
To support industrialization, the Ministry will expand the 'Hanbok Wave' project-which garnered significant attention at home and abroad last year thanks to the participation of actor Park Bogum-to help open up new markets for Hanbok businesses. Hanbok developed in collaboration with Hallyu stars will be promoted through major domestic and international billboards and social media channels. In August this year, a 'Business Day' will be held at the 'Hanbok Store' event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and the Ministry will also enhance accessibility to Hanbok workwear through online platforms, further strengthening cooperation with the industry.
For globalization, the Ministry will pursue international promotion linked to major 'Fashion Weeks' with the aim of entering overseas fashion markets. Hanbok experiences and fashion shows will be held at major international events such as the Olympics and Korea Season, actively showcasing the charm of Hanbok on the global stage.
The newly established law will come into effect one year after its promulgation. The Ministry plans to widely gather opinions from various sectors in the process of drafting the enforcement decree.
A policy official from the Ministry stated, "The enactment of the Hanbok Cultural Industry Promotion Act will serve as a turning point for Hanbok to become a defining asset of K-culture," adding, "We will maintain close communication with the field and provide systematic support so that Hanbok can naturally become part of daily life for the people and be loved worldwide."
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