Gimhae's "Todeogi" Captivates Korea ... Wins Grand Prize at Local Government and Public Character Festival

The representative character of Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, "Todeogi," won the grand prize at the 2025 Korea Local Government and Public Character Festival.

Gimhae City announced on September 15 that the festival, co-hosted by the Korea Cultural Contents Licensing Association and the Daejeon Tourism Organization and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was held at the Daejeon Convention Center on September 13.

The representative character of Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, "Todeogi," received the grand prize at the 2025 Korea Local Government and Public Character Festival and is taking a commemorative photo with city officials. Photo by Gimhae City

At the event, Todeogi competed against characters from local governments and public institutions nationwide, ultimately earning the top honor through a process that included a preliminary online public vote and expert evaluation.

Todeogi was designated as Gimhae City's new character in November 2023, featuring a cute and friendly image inspired by the mysterious bird from the Gaya era, which was referred to as a duck.

The character's appearance is modeled after a duck-patterned earthenware piece excavated from the Gaya-era tombs in Mangdeok-ri, Juchon-myeon, in 2011. The name "Todeogi" combines the Korean character for earth (土, "to") and the English word "duck."

The 'Todeogi Theme Train,' decorated with the character 'Todeogi' from Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, is running along the light rail track. Photo by Gimhae City

Since being named the official character, Todeogi has been widely used in Gimhae City's policy materials, promotional items, and electronic billboards. In addition to various merchandise, Todeogi can also be seen on the light rail connecting Busan and Gimhae.

As the grand prize winner at the festival, Todeogi will receive a range of support, including customized consulting from experts and a free one-year entry into an online promotional exhibition hall.

During the festival, from September 13 for two days, Gimhae City operated the "Todeogi Promotion Hall," offering a photo zone, distributing promotional items to visitors, and hosting a roulette event to showcase the city's appeal through various activities.

The city plans to further expand cultural content and tourism resources utilizing Todeogi, building on the momentum from this grand prize win and the success of the promotion hall.

A city official stated, "We are deeply honored that Todeogi has received nationwide recognition," adding, "We will continue to develop Todeogi into a character beloved by both citizens and tourists."