This is a scene on Nov. 21 from this year's Souvenir Fair that ran from Nov. 21-23 at Art Hall 1 and 2 of Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul's Jung-gu District. (Lee Jeongwoo)
By Lee Dasom
A festival in Seoul last month showcased the country's leading tourist souvenirs.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) from Nov. 21-23 hosted the annual Souvenir Fair at Art Hall 1 and 2 of Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul's Jung-gu District.
The venue on the morning of Nov. 21 even before the event's opening was teeming with visitors. Under the theme "A Wonderland of Exciting K-Goods," the fair had numerous booths run by participating companies and organizations that made it look like an amusement park.
At the center of the fair were award-winning souvenirs of this year's Tourism Souvenir Contest displayed in a merry-go-round format. The top honor of the Presidential Award went to wine stoppers with designs inspired by the royal seals of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), plus a walnut rice cake received the Encouragement Award.
Other honorees captured traditional beauty and taste such as stationary and office supplies; beauty and cosmetics; crafts; fashion accessories, and processed foods.
Clockwise from left are wind chimes shaped like the traditional men's hat gat that won the silver prize of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at the Souvenir Fair; wine stoppers with royal seals of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910); and combs that received a special award from the Hyundai Department Store president. (Korea Tourism Organization)
Away from the center of the venue led to other scenes. Domestic goods were displayed at densely packed booths throughout DDP, piquing visitor curiosity with uniquely original personalities and Korean elements in their goods.
Another space featured foods, stationary and households goods from the provinces like Gangwon-do, Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. This was like visiting souvenir stores across the country.
Clockwise from top left are the opening ceremony of the Souvenir Fair 2025; awards ceremony for the souvenir category of the Korea Tourism Contest; and the award-winning interactive zone "Challenge! ‘K-Goods Golden Bell." (KTO)
Other activities proved popular. Visitors walked around the hall to participate in a stamp-collecting mission. Youth lined up in long lines in front of a "four-cut photo" booth to take snaps, and laughter and cheers were heard where other interactive programs were held.
After the opening ceremony came "Challenge! K-Goods Golden Bell," a quiz show for award-winning souvenirs hosted by comedians Kim Wonhun and Eom Jiyoon. Humor, applause, and right and wrong answers soon filled the venue.
This year's fair showed the infinite transformation and diversity of domestic goods that blend traditional craftwork and modern design to expand the range of tourist souvenirs. These gorgeous and practical items are yet another method of describing Korea.
Thanks to the growing popularity of Korean souvenirs, the fair this year was extended to three days with 134 participating companies, up 39% from last year's edition.
dlektha0319@korea.kr