On the occasion of the 77^th anniversary of the National Liberation Day (Aug 15), thirty five descendants of Korean independence patriots residing abroad was given opportunity to wear Hanbok, Korean traditional costume, at the National Hangeul Museum on August 16 (Tue), providing them with opportunity to feel the belonging and pride in Korea.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister PARK Bo Gyoon, MCST) together with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Minister PARK Minshik, MPVA) organized event where descendants of the Korean heroes who fought for the national independence to wear Hanbok, feeling the identity as Koreans. Marking the 77^th anniversary this year, MPVA invited descendants of the patriots living the United States of America and Kazakhstan. 

MCST and MPVA signed Memorandum of Understanding in the area of promoting traditional culture and international patriots and veterans affairs last year. During the “UN Forces participation Day”, the two ministries presented Hanbok to war veterans who paid visit to Korea, explaining Korean traditional culture and expressing gratitude for patriots’ noble sacrifice and contribution.

 During this visit, the two ministries presented time for descendants to deliver gratitude and respect to the patriots. Descendants were given opportunity to  wear Hanbok and looked around the National Hangeul Museum. The related organization for this event, the Korea Craft & Design Foundation (President KIM Tae Hoon, KCDF) selected traditional Hanbok and taught descendants on proper way to wear Hanbok.

Meanwhile, descendants of the patriots who are visiting South Korea from August 12 (Fri) to August 18 (Thur) will be also taking part in various events, such as visiting the National Cemetery, the Liberation Day ceremony, experiencing Korean traditional culture, and paying visit to independence movement historic site visit.

MCST Director General said “Commemorating the 77th anniversary of Liberation Day, MCST prepared this event so that descendants of independence patriots will have a chance to wear Hanbok and experience traditional Korean culture as well as feel proud of the country.” He added that the government also hopes that those descendants who had no chance to wear Korean traditional costume before will be able to trace back the footsteps of their forefathers through this event and feel the pride as descendants of independence patriots.