For Gita Apriliany, a student in the Master of Public Management program at KDI School, the Hanbok Photo Contest wasn’t just a creative challenge. It was a joyful celebration of identity, dreams coming true, and cultural harmony. Born in Semarang, Central Java, but with strong family roots in Padang, West Sumatra, Gita has always carried a blend of influences. Now, studying in Korea, she’s adding yet another layer to her cultural story.

"I’ve always dreamed of studying in Korea," Gita shares with a smile. "And when the opportunity finally came, I knew it was more than just about academics. It was about embracing both where I come from and where I am now, and living a dream I had for so long."

When KDI School launched the Hanbok Photo Contest, encouraging students to share photos in both their own traditional dress and in Hanbok, Gita immediately knew she wanted to take part. To her, the contest symbolized how far she had come, from a dreamer in Indonesia to a student thriving in Korea, and how this felt like one more step in a path that was meant to be.

In her submission, Gita placed two powerful images side by side: one in a shimmering blue-and-silver Minang batabue dress and the other in a bold red-and-blue Hanbok, worn proudly with her hijab. "Seeing those photos together made me smile. They felt like a reflection of my journey," she recalls. "The batabue shows my Minangkabau heritage, and the Hanbok represents this exciting new chapter in Korea."

But her appreciation went beyond the visual. Gita pointed out something many may have missed, a linguistic bridge between cultures. "'Uni' in Minang and 'Eonni' in Korean both mean sister," she says. "It’s a beautiful coincidence that reminds me how connected we all are, even in our differences."

Participating in the contest wasn’t about competition for Gita. It was a joyful act of self-expression. Her decision to wear a Hanbok alongside her hijab was deeply personal. “It felt natural and meaningful,” she reflects. “I didn’t feel like I had to choose between parts of myself. Wearing both together gave me confidence to be open, to learn, but also to stay true to who I am.”

For Gita, traditional clothing is more than fabric or formality. It carries stories, values, and pride. “When I wear Minang attire, I feel strong and rooted,” she explains. “Now that I’m living abroad, I value it even more. It reminds me of home, and of everything I want to hold onto while growing into who I’m becoming.”

Her story, woven through tradition and aspiration, sends a joyful and hopeful message about coexistence and respect. “I think my photo tells a hopeful story. That cultures can stand side by side and lift each other up,” Gita shares. “And I hope people see that openness and shared values can bring us closer together.”

Through her words and her image, Gita reminds us that when we carry our roots into new places, we don’t leave anything behind. Instead, we bring it all with us, proudly and joyfully, as we grow and discover new parts of ourselves.