First lady showcases traditional fashion, food

Spouses of state leaders and international organization heads who attended the G-20 Summit watch a fashion show yesterday at Changdeok Palace. [YONHAP]

The first lady, Kim Yoon-ok, and the spouses of state leaders and international organization heads who attended the G-20 Summit visited Changdeok Palace yesterday and toured Gyujanggak, the royal Joseon Dynasty library.

Indonesia’s first lady, Kristiani Herawati Yudhoyono, arrived yesterday morning. She and her husband, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, were busy attending to the aftermath of a massive volcanic eruption in their country.

At Changdeok Palace, the spouses attended a traditional music concert and a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) fashion show.

Renowned for its garden’s beauty, the palace was listed in Unesco’s World Heritage List in 1997.

Following the palace tour, the leaders’ spouses attended a luncheon, hosted by Kim, at the Korea Furniture Museum. The first lady and President Lee Myung-bak’s three daughters also joined the luncheon.

“I am very excited and happy to invite the special guests for this summit,” Kim was quoted as saying by a Blue House official. “I will cherish this precious friendship forever.”

Kim selected the menu for the luncheon, which featured traditional Korean dishes including gujeolpan (a royal dish with nine different foods) and neobiani (minced steak patties).

Also included on the menu were some of the president’s favorite side dishes such as sauteed anchovies and fried kelp.

By Ser Myo-ja [myoja@joongang.co.kr]