From K-Dramas to the Hanbok Runway: Kong Sivly’s Journey into Korean Culture

“I love the beautiful colors of hanbok and the way the sleeves and skirt flow gracefully as you walk.”
“I hope Cambodians and Koreans will have more opportunities to experience and appreciate each other’s cultures.”

Kong Sivly, a Cambodian woman with a growing passion for Korean culture, took home the Grand Prize at the Hanbok Fashion Show held during KOWIN Cambodia’s “Eoullim” cultural event on November 9 at Oakwood Premier in Phnom Penh.

A longtime fan of Korean dramas, Sivly first became interested in Korean traditions through the shows she watched. That curiosity eventually inspired her to step onto the runway in traditional Korean attire.

Surrounded by contestants wearing beautiful hanbok, she never imagined she would be named the winner. The experience, she says, has given her new confidence and an even greater desire to explore Korean culture.

Newsbriefing Cambodia spoke with Sivly about her unexpected victory, her fascination with hanbok, and her hopes for cultural exchange between Cambodia and Korea.

Q. What inspired you to participate in the Hanbok Fashion Show?
I’ve always enjoyed watching Korean dramas. Over time, they sparked my interest in Korean culture and traditions.

When I heard about the Hanbok Fashion Show, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to try on traditional Korean clothing myself. That’s what encouraged me to participate.

Q. How did you feel when you were announced as the Grand Prize winner?
I was completely surprised! There were so many contestants wearing beautiful hanbok, so I honestly never expected to win.

Winning the Grand Prize has given me a lot of confidence. More importantly, it has inspired me to learn even more about Korean culture and traditions. That’s what makes this award especially meaningful to me.

Q. What do you find most beautiful or fascinating about hanbok?
What I love about hanbok is its diversity. The designs and styles vary depending on the historical period, social status, and occasion.

Traditional hanbok is beautiful, but I also appreciate modern interpretations. Even though the styles are different, they all preserve something uniquely Korean.

I especially love the beautiful colors and the way the sleeves and skirt move so gracefully when you walk. There’s something incredibly elegant about it.

Q. Beyond Korean dramas, what aspects of Korean culture have made the strongest impression on you?
Korean dramas first introduced me to the culture, but working and interacting with Korean people has deepened my interest even further. Now, I want to learn more about the Korean language and history as well.

What impresses me most is how Korea has overcome so many challenges throughout its history and become a country whose culture is admired around the world.

I find both its traditional heritage and modern culture fascinating.

There are many things I hope to learn from Korea and Korean people. Someday, I would love to use what I’ve learned to contribute to Cambodia’s development and become a bridge connecting our two countries.

Q. What was the most memorable part of the event, and what message would you like to share about cultural exchange?
I learned that hanbok has taken many different forms throughout Korean history. I was particularly impressed by the hanbok styles from the Silla period. I thought they were especially beautiful.

Seeing so many traditional outfits in one place was an unforgettable experience. It’s a precious memory that money simply can’t buy.

I hope there will be more events like this in Cambodia, where people can experience Korean culture firsthand.

At the same time, I’d love to see more Koreans and people from other countries have opportunities to try on traditional Cambodian clothing and experience Khmer culture.

To me, that’s what genuine cultural exchange is all about — learning about, experiencing, and appreciating each other’s traditions.
Finally, I’d like to thank KOWIN Cambodia, the sponsors, and everyone who worked so hard to organize this wonderful event.

I’m also deeply grateful to those who helped me prepare my outfit and get ready for the show, as well as everyone who encouraged me to participate.

And of course, thank you to Newsbriefing Cambodia for sharing my photos and story.