Canadian Ambassador Wows in Hanbok at G7 Send-off for President Lee Jae-myung

On June 16, President Lee Jae-myung departed for the G7 summit in Canada, and a foreigner dressed in traditional Korean hanbok caught the attention of many at Seongnam Seoul Airport. Among those present to bid farewell were Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, along with key figures from the Democratic Party, including Kim Byeong-ki and Woo Sang-ho. Notably, a Western woman with silver hair donned a dark blue hanbok, which sparked curiosity.

The woman in question is Tamara Moheni, the Canadian Ambassador to South Korea. Moheni, who joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1993, has been recognized for her diplomatic experience and was appointed as ambassador in May 2023. She is known for her love of hanbok, often seen wearing it at official events, including her credential presentation and the 60th anniversary reception of Korea-Canada diplomatic relations. Her wardrobe features a variety of hanbok styles, from traditional jeogori to modern interpretations of the chulrik, a historical military uniform.

At the airport, Moheni's hanbok was a unique blend of traditional and Western design elements, combining the classic silhouette of a durumagi with tailored darts for a contemporary fit. Designer Hwang Yi-seul commented on the outfit, stating that it exemplifies how hanbok can be modernized to appeal to a wider audience. She expressed hope that Moheni's choice would inspire others to embrace hanbok as suitable for everyday and office wear, reflecting her long-standing efforts to popularize the traditional attire.