Water Bottles and Pots, Familiar Design National Items... Find the Original

Which Companies Are the Originals Behind the Trendsetting 'Gukmin Items'?
Products Loved for Their Unique Designs, Numerous Imitations Following the Designs

Komex Industry, Clean Water Bottle.
[Photo by Komex Industry]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Products that receive great love for their unique designs are inevitably followed by imitation products that copy those designs exactly. However, the original products stand out with their unmatched originality that cannot be replicated, earning consumers' choice even among numerous similar products. Here, we introduce original products that have been loved for a long time due to their excellent design and convenient usability.

Original Square Water Bottle Optimized for Refrigerator Storage, 'Cheongjeong Water Bottle'

The original square water bottle for refrigerators, loved by consumers for its practical and unique design, is Comex's 'Cheongjeong Water Bottle.' Introducing a unique square shape in a market where angular forms were rare, Comex's Cheongjeong Water Bottle created a new trend with its square design featuring a water bottle spout and handle located at the corner.

The spout positioned at the corner allows water to flow evenly and steadily when pouring, so it can be used comfortably without worrying about water spilling suddenly. The handle is wide, providing stability and excellent grip, making it easy for elderly people or children with weak hand strength to use.

The silicone on the bottle cap can be separated for cleaning, allowing for more thorough washing. Also, made from Tritan material, it does not contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a suspected environmental hormone, so it can be used safely.

With a body temperature resistance ranging from -20℃ to 106℃, it can hold both cold and hot beverages. Available in three capacities?1.4L, 1.9L, and 2.3L?and various colors such as green, yellow, and blue, it can be selected according to the intended use.

Komex Industry, now is range time.
[Photo by Komex Industry]

Signature Red Color Stands Out in the Microwave-Only Cooking Container, 'Jigeumeun Renjitime' (Now is Microwave Time)

The red container that first comes to mind when thinking of microwave-only cooking containers is 'Jigeumeun Renjitime,' originally launched by Comex Industrial Co., Ltd., a kitchenware company with 50 years of tradition, in 2017 as Korea's first product of its kind. With its eye-catching red color and cute rounded design, 'Jigeumeun Renjitime' has received much love from consumers for its high usability. It was recognized for its fresh design and technology and was selected as a 2019 Global Living Masterpiece by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP).

Made from heat-resistant plastic material usable up to 140℃, it allows easy and convenient cooking. It is free from bisphenol-A (BPA), a suspected environmental hormone, ensuring safe use. Developed to cook simply by opening only the steam hole without removing the lid, it retains moisture in the food and allows delicious enjoyment even when cooked in the microwave.

Available in various lineups such as 'Egg (340ml),' 'Rice (380ml),' 'Soup (800ml),' 'Noodle (1.2L),' 'Family (2.6L),' and 'Multicooker (24cm)' with a built-in strainer for making simple dishes like whole chicken or frozen pizza, it can be chosen according to lifestyle and purpose.

Komex Industry, Crystal Water Bottle. [Photo by Komex Industry]

Original Irregular Design Water Bottle Loved Overseas, 'Crystal Water Bottle'

The Crystal Water Bottle, famous for its unique irregular design with curves, was launched by Comex in 2007. Although copy products with similar designs have appeared since its release, the original product continues to be sold to this day.

Comex's 'Crystal Water Bottle' is loved overseas for its simple and unique design and convenient usability. When filled with water or beverages, its refreshing blue color stands out. The 1L capacity, slim and curved irregular design is an originality that only Comex can realize.

Made from lightweight PET material, it is easy to take out and hold with one hand, and its size fits into refrigerator door pockets, allowing neat use anywhere.

Smeg Korea, refrigerator. [Photo by Smeg Korea]

Smeg Korea Refrigerator That Sparked the Retro Refrigerator Design Trend

Retro refrigerators with vintage designs and pastel colors have been greatly loved for several years. The original brand that popularized retro-style refrigerators is Smeg.

With stylish Italian sensibility, it applies soft curves reminiscent of the 1950s retro atmosphere and colors inspired by pop art. Its distinctive colors such as white, cream, pastel green, pastel blue, and red are greatly loved by the MZ generation.

It satisfies not only design but also function and efficiency. The 'Multi-flow Cooling System' evenly circulates cold air, and the 'Super Cold Drawer' keeps food fresh.

Monami, Monami 153.
Photo by Monami

National Ballpoint Pen Design Loved by Koreans for 60 Years, 'Monami 153'

With a white body and black tip, simple design, and easy usability, this is the image of the national ballpoint pen loved for a long time. The original company of the national ballpoint pen is 'Monami 153,' a leader in the domestic stationery industry.

Monami 153, the synonym for ballpoint pens used by Koreans, was first launched in 1963 and succeeded as the national ballpoint pen in a stationery market dominated by fountain pens and nibs.

It is the first ballpoint pen made with domestic technology in Korea, and due to its reasonable price and practicality, it is still called the national ballpoint pen. Recently, it has attracted the attention of stationery enthusiasts with various new product lineups newly reinterpreted by preserving its heritage design.