Gangneung's Wolhwa Street Transforms into an 'Outdoor Runway' for 53 Top Models from 25 Asian Countries

Gangneung to Hold Outdoor Fashion Show at 12:30 p.m. on the 14th
Runway Show Ahead of Asia Model Festival Finals in Jeongseon

Wolhwa Street, a major downtown tourist attraction in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, will be transformed into a large outdoor fashion runway stretching 200 meters.

Poster for the Asia Model Gangneung Wolhwa Street Fashion Show. Courtesy of Gangneung City.

Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, announced on November 13 that it will hold the "Asia Model Gangneung Wolhwa Street Fashion Show" on November 14 at 12:30 p.m. along an approximately 200-meter stretch from the steps in front of Wolhwa Bridge to Wolhwa Street, in partnership with the Asia Model Festival Organizing Committee (AMFOC).

A total of 53 models selected from 25 Asian countries will take part in the show. They are finalists in the "2026 21st Asia Model Festival," which will be held at High1 Resort in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, from November 18 to 22. Before the main competition opens, they will walk the runway in downtown Gangneung.

One striking feature is the unconventional use of space. Instead of a professional indoor venue, the steps at Wolhwa Bridge and the entire street, which are part of the everyday routes of residents and tourists, will be turned into a long runway. The downtown scenery and the models from various countries are expected to combine to offer visitors a unique spectacle.

Through the event, Gangneung City plans to combine local tourism resources with international cultural and fashion content and promote its city brand as a "global tourism city."

The city also expects the models and event officials visiting from across Asia to experience Gangneung firsthand and introduce the appeal of Wolhwa Street overseas.

Bae Gwangsik, head of Gangneung City's Tourism Policy Division, said, "Having models from 25 Asian countries walk the runway on Wolhwa Street is a great opportunity to showcase Gangneung's appeal to the world. We hope residents and tourists will enjoy a world-class fashion show up close and discover a new side of Wolhwa Street."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.