사회

Ukrainian student crowned third at Korea's iconic beauty pageant

It still feels like a dream unfolding,” Herasymenko wrote on social media. “I will continue to grow, staying true to myself as a Chunhyang, carrying the beauty of Namwon and the charming...

KOREATIMES 입력 2026.05.05 12:00 0

Ukrainian student crowned third at Korea's iconic beauty pageant

my times

The Korea Times

open notice

Lifestyle

People & Events

Ukrainian student crowned third at Korea's iconic beauty pageant

Listen

Text Size

Park Ung

Published

May 5, 2026 12:00 pm

KST

Anhelina Herasymenko, 23, a Ukrainian graduate student who placed third at the Global Chunhyang Selection Contest, poses in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, April 30. Captured from Instagram

Anhelina Herasymenko, a 23-year-old Ukrainian graduate student at Kyungpook National University, has claimed third place at a beauty pageant honoring one of Korea's most beloved literary figures.

The win marks the second consecutive year a foreign student has taken an award at the Global Chunhyang Selection Contest, reflecting its push to expand its international reach.

Last week's contest in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, named Herasymenko as Chunhyang Mi, the third of six titles — Jin, Seon, Mi, Jeong, Suk and Hyeon.

“Grateful for every step that led me here, every lesson that shaped me and every person who walked this path with me. It still feels like a dream unfolding,” Herasymenko wrote on social media. “I will continue to grow, staying true to myself as a Chunhyang, carrying the beauty of Namwon and the charming spirit of Korean traditions into the world.”

The contest is part of the Namwon Chunhyang Festival, founded in 1931 during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial era, when local residents came together to honor the spirit of Chunhyang and preserve national pride. Chunhyang is the virtuous fictional heroine of a 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty classic who defied a corrupt magistrate to remain faithful to her lover.

Held each year in May, the festival takes place around Namwon Gwanghallu, a site recognized for its architectural significance and nearly 400 years of cultural history that is set to be designated a National Treasure.

Now in its 96th year, the competition opened its doors to foreign participants in 2024 to promote globalization. Last year, Laura-Mai Schults, an Estonian student at Seoul National University Language Education Institute, took the title of Chunhyang Hyeon.

Historic pavilion in Namwon moves closer to National Treasure status