Mixed Fortunes of 'Sipwonbbang' VS 'Sipyenbbang'... Japan Says, "No Issues with Currency Design"

Japan's Ministry of Finance: "It's Okay to Use Currency Designs on Bread"
South Korea's Bank of Korea Blocks Design Citing Counterfeiting Promotion and Dignity Damage

Unlike Gyeongju's 'Sipwon Bread' in Gyeongbuk, Japan's 'J?en Bread' is expected to retain the design featuring the currency motif as is.

According to the Nishinippon Shimbun on the 6th, Japan's Ministry of Finance stated that there is no problem with using currency designs on bread. This effectively permits the sale of 'J?en Bread.'

The famous Sipwon Bread of Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, embroiled in controversy over unauthorized use of the 10-won coin design.
[Photo by Byeongdon Yoo]

As a result, the original Gyeongju Sipwon Bread and the Japanese version are likely to experience contrasting fortunes. Recently, the Bank of Korea restricted the use of the design on Sipwon Bread, citing unauthorized use of the currency motif based on the 'Standards for the Use of Bank of Korea Notes and Coin Designs.'

According to these standards, currency designs cannot be used for commercial purposes without Bank of Korea approval, and even if permitted, the validity period is six months. The Bank of Korea is concerned that misuse of currency designs could promote counterfeiting and degrade the dignity and trustworthiness of the currency.

However, since Sipwon Bread has already become widely established as a local tourism product, it is reported that discussions are underway to modify the design within legal limits. The Sipwon Bread producers have also expressed their intention to "change the design and continue sales."

Sipwon Bread is a bread shaped like a 10-won coin, with a texture similar to castella, characterized by soft dough containing cheese. It was created in Gyeongju in 2019 and gained attention through social networking services (SNS), spreading to other regions.

In September 2021, President Yoon Suk-yeol, then a candidate, visited a Sipwon Bread shop in Gyeongju, attracting media attention. Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok also visited a Sipwon Bread producer in March last year.

Earlier, in September last year, a company in Tokyo developed and began selling J?en Bread inspired by Gyeongju's Sipwon Bread. As its popularity grew, the stores expanded to major cities such as Osaka. It is also reported to have been popular in Fukuoka, where limited sales began last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.