Designer Lee Il-soon, who leads the way in introducing traditional Korean culture and highlighting the value of our heritage, is hosting a special exhibition.
The special exhibition 'Seasons of Life - From Cradle to Heaven, Funeral Clothes' will be held at Samcheonggak Chuihandang in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, from June 4 to July 27. It will showcase a variety of traditional garments, from the first baby hanbok to the hundred-day celebration outfit, first birthday outfit, wedding attire, and funeral clothes.
The exhibition will display hanboks that are worn during significant life events, such as the joyous birth of a new life, the wedding celebrations of both families, and the clothing worn on the day of passing, all adorned in beautiful colors that represent the seasons of Korea.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Bukaksan Mountain, the exhibition will prominently feature exquisite silk funeral clothes. The elegant and luxurious hues of the silk garments will capture the attention of visitors, complemented by beautiful shoes that resemble blooming flowers.
Designer Lee Il-soon explained, “Typically, a leap month occurs every four years, but this year we have a leap month after just three years, which is a special occurrence that happens once in a hundred years. Traditionally, funeral clothes are prepared during a leap month, as it is considered a month free of misfortune, making it a good time to conduct and prepare for significant life events. The funeral clothes prepared during this time carry the meaning of wishing for the longevity of the living and peace for the deceased.” The leap month in 2025 will be from July 25 to August 22, corresponding to the lunar month of June.
He also mentioned, “It would be nice to share stories and meanings about the hanboks worn during the seasons of life while feeling the cool mountain breeze and the sound of birds in Samcheonggak. I hope visitors can experience traditional culture and enjoy the depth and beauty of our heritage.”
Designer Lee Il-soon has established herself as a master of traditional Korean hanbok over the past 30 years. She has showcased traditional hanbok in numerous dramas and films, including 'The King's Case Note', 'Like a Butterfly', 'The Concubine', Netflix's 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North', and KBS drama 'Red Heart'. Recently, she gained attention as the creator of the pink hanbok worn by actress Moon So-ri in the Netflix drama 'My Name is Noona', which left a deep impression on viewers.
She also plays a role as a cultural diplomacy ambassador, traveling between major countries. In 2022, she successfully presented a hanbok fashion show at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Korea-U.S. diplomatic relations, and in 2024, she showcased the beauty of hanbok to the world in Italy, known as the home of fashion. At the fashion show held in Rome to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Korea-Italy diplomatic relations and the 2024-2025 Korea-Italy mutual cultural exchange year, she received high praise for the 'indescribable beauty' of her designs.
[Geum Bit-na, MK Sports Reporter]
