The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) and the Canadian Embassy in Seoul are inviting Canadian apparel companies to join the Canadian Fashion Delegation to South Korea, November 17–19, 2026 — a three-day program built to put Canadian brands in front of Korean buyers, distributors, and retailers.
This initiative sits within Canadian Heritage's renewed Creative Export Strategy, which commits $95 million over five years beginning in 2026–27 to help Canadian creative and cultural firms grow their exports through direct funding, trade missions, and advisory support — building on the June 2025 creative industries mission that generated hundreds of business meetings across South Korea and Japan.
Who should apply
The TCS is seeking Canadian firms with proven export capability offering high-quality products at competitive price points in two areas:
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Value-driven outdoor, sports and active apparel — sportswear, activewear, and athleisure that deliver quality and function without a luxury price tag.
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Affordable, high-performance bags and footwear — durable collections built for outdoor, casual, and active lifestyles.
What participants gain
The program includes a professionally curated showroom exhibition, B2B meetings with leading distributors and retailers, guided retail and store tours, market intelligence briefings on Korea's fashion landscape, on-the-ground TCS support including interpretation, and participation in a Canadian fashion promotion on a major Korean e-commerce platform.
Why South Korea, why now
South Korea is Asia's cultural and fashion bellwether, and a foothold there is a springboard into the broader Asia-Pacific market. Demand for outdoor, wellness, and athleisure products is climbing, and Korean consumers are increasingly prioritizing "smart consumption" — quality, durability, and practical value over pure luxury. Entering in late 2026 positions brands ahead of the peak winter and early-spring retail seasons and the high-volume buying cycles of major Korean distributors.
Cost and deadline
Participation is $300 per company. Applications close July 24, 2026.
Questions or to apply, contact Hye-Shin Kang, Trade Commissioner — hye-shin.kang@international.gc.ca.
Companies may also be eligible for funding through CanExport SMEs to offset participation costs — apply by August 31, 2026.
View the full announcement and apply