The Star Designer Behind Park's Hanbok

President Park Geun-hye's red traditional outer gown and burgundy hanbok on Monday were all designed by Kim Young-seok, one of the leading designers of traditional Korean dress.

His list of clients includes former first lady Kim Yoon-ok, Hong Ra-hee, the wife of Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee, and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Kim said he spent a long time deciding which colors to use for Park as it was for the country's first female president.

"I thought it was important to accentuate the dignified and confident look of a leader rather than highlighting femininity and elegance. That's why I chose darker colors. I recommended a dark blue top and dress during the day, and burgundy for the evening," said Kim.

He used hand-dyed silk to make the dresses. "Each set cost about W1.3 million because she didn't want anything too expensive," he said.

"I'd love to see the president in hanbok at as many diplomatic events as possible."