Bush in a Hanbok
We all may get chance to see President Bush in a Hanbok this November at the APEC summit being held in Pusan.
The government’s APEC summit planning committee has been deliberating what clothing to choose, to the point of convening an advisory council composed of Korea’s top seven hanbok (Korean traditional clothes) experts.
Under consideration are the Chosun (Joseon)-era gonryongpo (royal robes), the durumagi (a long overcoat), and the magoja (an outer coat). Gonnyongpo made of red or yellow silk were the formal attire worn by kings during official duties, while Koreans traditionally wore the durumagi outdoors. The magoja was a coat often worn over a jeogori (vest).
The planning committee must also decide whether to go with a traditional or modernized hanbok.
The key variables are the location and weather of the group photo, scheduled to be taken after the second round of meetings on Nov. 19 on Dongbaek Island, near Haeundae Beach. The planning committee will announce its final decision nearer the event.
Meanwhile, Busan’s municipal government plans a hanbok-wearing campaign during the summit in order to highlight the beauty and rich cultural associations of Korea’s traditional dress.
That should be a sight to see, President Bush in a hanbok. Hopefully he uses the APEC platform to mend some fences with South Korea. Never the less November should be entertaining at the very least.
