KPop Demon Hunters Meet Their Hanbok Heritage at Hanbok Expo

Hanbok Expo (한복상점) is one of my favorite events of the year, but the KDH vibes this year made it extra special! The Hanbok Expo is a yearly convention is where traditional and modern hanbok designers from all across the country gather together to sell, showcase and promote all things hanbok!

It’s been held every year since 2017 and this year around 150 different brands are participating, making it the biggest one yet. Once again the booths are packed with a variety of hanbok styles, clothes inspired by traditional Korean designs, bags, shoes, hair accessories, and even pet clothes.

One of the biggest influences to this year’s Hanbok Expo has to be KPop Demon Hunters which has changed the cultural landscape in Seoul in such a short amount of time. There was a noticeable uptick of KDH inspired norigae, gats, traditional knot bracelets and, of course, lots of merch featuring tigers and magpies.

I really love seeing all the creative ways designers recreate and reinterpret not just traditional hanbok, but traditional Korean crafts as well. There were so many beautiful and interesting bag charms, norigae and jewelry this year. There were even more booths selling dolls and doll accessories.

Every year, the lineup and catalogue of styles and designs at the Hanbok Expo changes. But a lot of brands have convention-exclusive sales of 15 – 30% off existing designs. And, if you’re looking towards next season, one or two had discounted pre-orders only for attendees.

I picked up a few pieces including a new floral hanbok top (jeogori) along with an Oksa windchime for when the weather cools down and I can open my windows again. On top of that, I picked up a free fan which doubles as a table piece because of how amazing it looks.

If you’re visiting or are new to Korea, this is a perfect way to dive into the culture and come out of it with some truly beautiful and unique handmade items. There are also special experiences hosted by Hanbok Expo where you can play games and win special prizes like stickers, a hanbok fan or even coffee.

Hanbok Expo will only be going from Thursday August 7th to Sunday August 10th, from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm at COEX, Hall D. Admission is ₩5,000 or FREE if you wear hanbok, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

Where is the Hanbok Expo?

The Hanbok Expo is being held at COEX in Hall D this year. The easiest way to get to COEX is via the green line (line no. 2) at Samsung Station and take the exit leading directly into the COEX mall between exits 5 and 6.