When Chaehoon Lee, a Korean Global Masters Program (GMP) student at KDIS, first heard about the "2025 Summer KDIS Hanbok Photo Contest," he saw it as an opportunity to share a beautiful piece of his culture with the KDIS community. Having only recently embraced Hanbok himself during his son's first birthday celebration in 2024, he was drawn to its aesthetic appeal. What unfolded, however, was a journey that deepened his understanding of cultural exchange and the spirit of community within KDIS.

A New Chapter with an Old Tradition

Chaehoon recently reconnected with hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, during a special day for his family. "Last year, to celebrate my son's first birthday, I wore a Hanbok for the first time in a while," he shared. "I liked the photos we took then, so I submitted them to the photo contest." This personal rediscovery became the foundation for his winning submission, bridging his family's milestones with a broader cultural narrative.

Hanbok as a Bridge: Connecting Cultures at KDIS

The contest theme, "Hanbok: Threads of the World," holds particular significance for a global institution like KDIS. Chaehoon reflected on how his experience sharing Korean culture resonates with international peers: "As a Korean student at KDIS, a truly diverse institution, I recently invited ten friends over for dinner at my home, and through introducing ourselves, we got to know each other better. I believe that traditional cultural elements, such as Hanbok, can be fascinating topics that help us understand one another's backgrounds more deeply." This exemplifies how shared cultural experiences can foster stronger bonds among students from different corners of the globe.

Chaehoon believes that initiatives like this contest are vital for personal growth in a globalized world. "It’s an essential experience for developing global competence," he stated. "As a GMP student, I will be studying in the UK for a year starting this autumn. Just like here, I look forward to meeting interesting friends from various cultural backgrounds there as well." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates KDIS's mission to cultivate globally competent leaders through diverse interactions and cultural appreciation.

Stories Woven in Silk: The Winning Moments

Chaehoon's winning portfolio beautifully captured the spirit of Hanbok in various contexts, from public interactions to intimate family celebrations. He offered insights into his chosen photographs, each telling a unique story of cultural immersion and personal joy.

1. Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace: Chaehoon shared a vibrant selfie from his day touring Gyeongbokgung Palace. "The first photo is a solo shot of me wearing a rented hanbok while touring Seoul with my sister’s foreign friend, who also wore a Hanbok." This image perfectly captures the communal joy of experiencing Korean heritage and the appeal of Hanbok to visitors.

2. A Spontaneous Bow: While strolling around near the palace, Chaehoon encountered a unique moment. "While walking around in Hanbok, I saw a statue bowing and bowed back to it." His photo submission beautifully illustrates this spontaneous interaction, showcasing an authentic connection with the traditional surroundings.

3. Celebrating a Milestone - Doljanchi: His portfolio also included a heartfelt moment from his son's first birthday. "This photo shows my family in hanbok celebrating my son’s first birthday", captures the family in Hanbok at a park near their home, highlighting this significant milestone and cherished cultural tradition.

4. The Doljabi Tradition: Chaehoon also shared an intimate moment from the "doljabi" tradition, a key part of his son's first birthday. "In Korea, there's a tradition called doljabi where a baby picks an item that symbolizes their future. What do you think my son picked?" he mused, inviting readers into this beloved Korean cultural practice.

A Heartfelt Message and Enduring Memories

When asked about his motivation for participating, Chaehoon expressed a desire to leave a lasting memory at KDIS. "As a GMP student leaving for the UK this autumn, this semester is my last chance to see my international friends at KDIS. I joined the contest hoping they’d remember me and that we could look back on these memories together someday." This personal connection adds a touching layer to his participation, emphasizing the bonds formed within the KDIS community.

Chaehoon also shared a profound message about Hanbok and Korean culture for the global KDIS community: "I, as a Korean, am proud of our unique culture and history. I hope everyone leaves with good memories of Korea and that people around the world can prosper together." His words resonate deeply with the KDIS spirit of global cooperation and mutual understanding, encouraging everyone to appreciate and carry forward the memories and lessons from their time in Korea.