By Korea.net PyeongChang Olympics Team
Gangneung | Feb. 24, 2018

Soohorang plush dolls wearing a eosahwa flower hat (어사화, 御賜花), the prize given to all medalists at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, are catching the eyes of the public.

The eosahwa Soohorang, wearing a Joseon official’s hat decorated with eosahwa paper flowers that was awarded to civil servants and military officials who passed certain exams with honors, is being presented to all medalists at the pre-medal ceremonies at the Games this winter.

Speed skater Chung Jaewon has been much talked about for tossing his special tiger to the crowd after winning the silver medal in the men’s team pursuit event at the Gangneung Oval on Feb. 21.

After his ceremony, the official supplies of PyeongChang goods across the nations, including at the Super Stores in Pyeongchang and Gangneung, became packed with customers looking for the jangwongeupje first-place winner (장원급제) Soohorang plush toy, which looks very similar to the winner’s prizes.



The stuffed animal’s popularity was visible at the Gangneung Olympic Park on Feb. 23, two days before the Closing Ceremony, as a long queue of fans waited to enter the Olympic Super Store to buy some Soohorang plush dolls or badges.

The jangwongeupje Soohorang was especially popular among students preparing for their real-life College Scholastic Ability Test.

“I waited in line for an hour and half to get it, but it was already sold out,” said Hwang Nu-ri, a student that visited the store just to get the special Soohorang doll.

“I really want it because I like the meaning of the name of Soohorang, which is to protect the athletes and the spectators,” said Plamen Mitev from Bulgaria who didn’t mind the long line.

The jangwongeupje Soohorang plush doll is currently out of stock. It has been seen for sale at prices three times the original sticker price at online Korean second hand stores.



kgh89@korea.kr