Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul will serve as the venue for the 2026 Jongno Hanbok Festival on Friday and Saturday, featuring royal parades, fashion contests and live traditional music in central Seoul. Launched in 2016 by Jongno District, the annual event has evolved into a major autumn cultural fixture, drawing locals and global tourists to celebrate hanbok — Korea’s traditional attire, recognized for its flowing silhouettes and vibrant colors. This year has the theme "Hanbok x Gukak," explicitly pairing the visual structure of Korean dress with live performances of traditional Korean music. Organizers designed the multisensory program to showcase the heritage garments alongside traditional instrumental arrangements rather than static displays. The festivities begin with an opening parade featuring 80 local residents marching alongside the Seoul Children’s Chwitadae, a traditional band. The official opening ceremony runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, bringing together a full Korean traditional orchestra, choral performances and theatrical folk acts designed to bridge historic tr