Korea Tourism Organization selects 25 representative Korean tourism souvenirs for 2026... Exhibition in November

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korea Tourism Organization (CEO Park Seong-hyeok, hereinafter KTO) announced on the 28th that it has selected 25 works for the '2026 Republic of Korea Tourism Souvenir Competition (Souvenir Category)' Choi Jong (수상).

The Grand Prize-winning work, 'The Brilliant Stage of Baudeok, Unfolded onto the Dining Table,' is a Bangja-yugi tableware product inspired by the fan of Baudeok, a cultural heritage figure. It received high praise from an international judging panel that included experts.

The Prime Minister's Award went to traditional fans such as 'Korea's Knot Collection,' which modernly reinterprets Korean Dancheong patterns, and 'Jeju Dasi Flower Meljeot Powder,' a seasoning made from small anchovies harvested in Biyangdo, Jeju. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award was given to 25 outstanding tourism souvenirs that showcase Korea's charm and promote Ji Yeok-eul (CEO), including the metal object doorbell 'Korea's Roof,' which reinterprets miscellaneous items found on traditional Korean building roofs; the 'Domestic Roasted Perilla Oil Light & Balanced Set' made from Gangwon Province perilla seeds; and 'Jeju Island Dongjaseok Doorstopper,' a modern reinterpretation of Jeju's traditional guardian statues as everyday household items.

A total of 1,358 entries were submitted to this year's competition, setting a record high for participation. Many works harmoniously blended Korea's unique charm with the distinctive characteristics of local regions. KTO plans to strengthen global competitiveness by providing tailored support—including one-on-one consulting, business education, distribution channel linkage assistance, and eligibility for tourism fund loans—to Choi Jong (수상) winners. In particular, this year will see expanded support for overseas platform entry, including Amazon, alongside collaborations with private companies.

The winning works of the '2026 Republic of Korea Tourism Souvenir Competition (Souvenir Category)' can be viewed on the official website.

Min Byung-seon, Head of KTO's Tourism Industry Division, stated, "In addition to collaborating with institutional investors such as Hyundai Department Store, Lotte Duty Free, and the National Museum Cultural Foundation, we plan to further strengthen distribution support for award-winning works this year through overseas platform entry (e.g., Amazon) and global funding initiatives."

Meanwhile, KTO will hold the '2026 Republic of Korea Tourism Souvenir Expo' from November 20 to 22 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The expo will feature exhibitions and sales of tourism souvenirs including Gong Mo-jeon (수상) winners, business consultations to support sales channels for award-winning companies, as well as diverse experiential programs and on-site events for general consumers.

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*This content was translated by AI.