K-Heritage Traditional Cultural Merchandise Generates 11.9 Billion Won in Sales

K-Heritage Traditional Cultural Merchandise Generates 11.9 Billion Won in Sales: Travel / 연합뉴스 / 2025-03-04 10:58:59

▲ This image of the "Ilwolobongdo fan" is captured from the K-Heritage online mall of Korea Heritage Agency. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- State-run Korea Heritage Agency (KHA) said on Tuesday that it logged record-breaking sales of K-Heritage merchandise series last year, highlighting the popularity of cultural goods inspired by Korea’s heritage and traditions.

Such K-Heritage goods include fans featuring the Ilwolobongdo, the traditional painting placed behind the Joseon Dynasty kings, and hats embroidered with fierce tigers.

According to the KHA, total online and offline sales, including those from the cultural goods store Sarang, reached approximately 11.88 billion won last year. This marks a 7.2 percent increase from 2023, when sales first surpassed 10 billion won, totaling 11.08 billion won.

▲ This image of the "palace tiger embroidered hat" is captured from the K-Heritage online mall of Korea Heritage Agency. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The KHA develops cultural products that reinterpret traditional patterns, paintings, and architecture in a modern way, marketing them under the brand K-Heritage. These products are sold at major royal palaces, the National Palace Museum, and Incheon International Airport.

The agency stated that last year's sales figures were the highest since it launched its cultural goods development initiative in 2007.

Products designed for everyday use, such as fans, hats, and bags, drew significant consumer interest last year. One of the most popular items was the Palace Gaze Fan, which captures the perspective of an autistic designer on palace landscapes. Along with the Ilwolobongdo Fan, these products sold over 14,000 units, generating about 180 million won in revenue.

The Palace Tiger Hat, which features embroidered images of the tiger found in hyeongbae—the rank badges worn by Joseon-era officials—sold 2,665 units, amounting to over 60 million won in sales. Other bestsellers included a bag featuring the Ilwolobongdo design, which sold 2,866 units, and trays decorated with hwajodo, traditional paintings of flowers and birds, which sold 7,051 units.

Traditional-themed drinkware also gained traction. A set of cups inspired by the gonryongpo, the dragon-embroidered robe worn by Joseon kings, sold 2,355 units, generating about 80 million won in sales. Notably, a special cup set that changes color when filled with cold beverages—turning the depicted figures’ faces red—became a viral hit among younger consumers on social media, leading to a complete sellout of its initial batch of 1,000 sets.

▲ This image of Gonryongpo cup set is captured from the K-Heritage online mall of Korea Heritage Agency. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The agency’s online store, which caters to international customers, recorded approximately 58 million won in sales. Offline stores primarily sold small souvenirs like keychains and handkerchiefs, while online shoppers tended to purchase cultural goods as gifts.

Looking ahead, the KHA plans to expand its product lineup this year. A spokesperson stated that upcoming collections will include goods made from discarded wood recovered during restoration work on Joseon royal tombs, as well as products highlighting the elegance and beauty of hanbok and hangeul.