Last Year's National Heritage Cultural Products Achieve Record High Sales

7.2% Increase Over 2023, Surpassing the 10 Billion KRW Mark

As products embodying Korea's cultural heritage and traditions gain popularity, sales at major palace gift shops and online have reached record highs.

Ilwol Obongdo Fan

The National Heritage Promotion Agency announced on the 4th that last year's sales revenue from the cultural product hall 'Sarang' and other online and offline channels totaled approximately 11.88 billion KRW. This marks a 7.2% increase compared to 2023 (11.08 billion KRW), the first year to surpass the 10 billion KRW mark.

The agency is selling products that reinterpret national heritage content in a modern way under the brand 'K-Heritage' at major palaces, the National Palace Museum of Korea, Incheon International Airport, and other locations. An official explained, "Since forming the product development team in 2007 to promote the development and distribution of cultural products, this is the highest sales revenue ever recorded."

Last year, popular products included fans, hats, and bags that can be used in daily life. According to the agency, the 'Palace Perspectives - Fan' and 'Ilwol Obongdo Fan,' which depict palace scenes through the eyes of an autistic designer, sold more than 14,000 units, generating about 180 million KRW in sales. The 'Palace Tiger Hat,' embroidered with the tiger image from the rank badge that represented the status and position of Joseon Dynasty officials, also sold 2,665 units, earning over 60 million KRW. Bags designed with 'Ilwol Obongdo' and trays painted with 'Hwajodo' were also popular, selling 2,866 and 7,051 units respectively.

Gonryongpo Glass Set

Traditional design-inspired cups also attracted attention. A cup set inspired by the Gonryongpo (dragon robe) sold 2,355 units, generating about 80 million KRW in sales. A cup set that changes the character’s face to red when cold drinks are poured became a hot topic among young consumers, selling out the initial stock of 1,000 sets.

Online shopping malls used overseas recorded sales of about 58 million KRW. An official added, "Offline stores mainly sold simple souvenirs such as keyrings and handkerchiefs, while online sales often involved cultural products intended as gifts."

The agency plans to diversify the types of cultural products this year. An official said, "We are planning products that utilize wood discarded during the restoration of Joseon royal tombs, as well as items that promote the excellence and beauty of Hanbok and Hangul."

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