South Korea will open a fashion-culture fair this week to help local brands make inroads into overseas markets, the government said Monday.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and co-organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency and Council of Fashion Designers of Korea, "Fashion KODE 2017 S/S" is set to take place from Oct. 18-21 at J-Gran House in central Seoul.

The annual fair bridges local fashion designers and international buyers. In the sixth edition, a total of 16 brands, including COMPATHY, HEEH, Lucie BROCHARD, REDMETEOR, BlueMountain and V's atelier, will launch fashion shows for 2017 S/S collections at Zexy Garden for three days, according to the ministry. About 93 clothing corporations will participate to engage with fashion designers from abroad.

This year, about 500 domestic and foreign buyers, larger than last year, are to attend the fair and many Korean celebrities will also visit to promote local brands.

The fair will be open to the public for free so anyone can come and enjoy.

Besides the business events, visitors can experience the culture technology utilized in the field of fashion and beauty in the "Fashion CT (Culture Technology) Zone." It features a template-based 3-D design system that generates a pattern and fitting at one stop. A simulation system for 3-D make-up and special effects using an imaginary make-up tool is also another highlight of the fair. (Yonhap)