The Todugi-themed pop-up store, featuring the signature character of Gimhae, Gyeongnam?a white figure with short arms and legs and a pottery hat?concluded its limited-time operation after recording over 20,000 visitors.
In celebration of 2024, the Year of Visiting Gimhae, Gyeongnam, the Todugi pop-up store opened on Bonghwangdae-gil from May 1 to the 27th of this month.
On the first floor, which was managed under the direction of Todugi City's honorary PR director, visitors found Todugi's bedroom and a large Todugi figure. There was also the 'Toduknecut' photo zone, where people could take instant photos using Todugi-shaped hand signs and headbands.
Inside the Toddeogi popup store located on Bonghwangdae-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Lee Seryeong
The second floor was dedicated to introducing Gimhae's three major events this year?the Year of Visiting Gimhae, the National Sports Festival, and the East Asia Cultural City?as well as tourist attractions and popular restaurants in Gimhae.
There was also a commemorative photo area modeled after the PR director's office and a counter selling Todugi character merchandise (goods).
Todugi character goods such as stickers, slippers, smartphone griptoks, mouse pads, film cameras, travel bag tags, and keychains sold out within a week of opening, prompting additional production.
Toddeogi character merchandise sold on the second floor of the Toddeogi pop-up store located on Bonghwangdae-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Lee Seryeong
Due to the pop-up store's limited-time nature, Gimhae City operated the store every day from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. without holidays to maximize visitor numbers.
As a result, an average of about 100 people visited on weekdays and about 500 on weekends, with related posts on blogs and social networking services (SNS) reportedly exceeding 1,000.
After the Todugi pop-up store ended, visitors responded, "It was fresh and fun," "It's a shame it ended so soon," and "I hope Todugi character goods will continue to be sold."
In response, the city is planning to decorate the existing general tourist information center with a Todugi theme, operate Todugi-themed shops in collaboration with local stores, and run a Todugi Gimhae tourism pop-up zone inside Gimhae Lotte Outlet.
A tourist is looking around inside the Todeogi pop-up store on Bonghwangdae-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Lee Seryeong
A city official explained, "According to Bonghwangdae Cooperative statistics, the number of visitors to Bonghwangdae-gil from May to July last year was 62.2, but this year, thanks to the pop-up store, that number was surpassed," adding, "It likely had both direct and indirect effects on revitalizing the local economy."
"The Todugi pop-up store is the first case of a pop-up store operated using a local government character," the official said. "To meet visitors' expectations, we plan to create more spaces where people can continue to meet Gimhae's representative character, Todugi."
Todugi's PR director, who finished the pop-up store assignment, said, "I'm truly grateful for the overwhelming love over the past three months. It was a joy to meet everyone, and I sincerely hope to see you again."
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