'Earning a Hundred Million Won Like a "Jjin Doctor"... The "Doll Doctor" Who Performs Both Procedures and Surgeries [New Jobs]'

Doll Doctor Mainly Active in the US and Europe
Restores Toys Such as Porcelain and Cloth Dolls
Doll History Over 150 Years... Collectible Value
Annual Income Around 100 Million KRW

Editor's NoteWith super-aging and ultra-low birth rates, along with the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, new changes are occurring in the world of occupations. We introduce the world of new jobs that open paths for new challenges in working life or a second act in life.

Toy Story 2 movie doll repair scene. [Image source=YouTube capture]

There is a scene that is always mentioned when picking memorable moments from the popular animated film "Toy Story 2." It is the scene where the main character toy, "Woody," is carefully repaired. The skilled craftsman uses thread and needle, paint and cotton swabs to transform the worn stuffed doll into a brand-new toy, evoking a sense of catharsis.

However, the craftsman who repaired Woody in the story is not a fictional profession. In countries with a long history of doll industries such as the United States and Japan, there are so-called "Doll Doctors" who specialize in repairing dolls, and they are reportedly treated as professionals who easily earn seven-figure salaries.

The Doll Industry with a History of Over 150 Years... Now Valuable Collectibles

European porcelain dolls. Dolls with a long history now hold value as collectibles and works of art.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

To understand the origin of Doll Doctors, one must first know the history of the doll industry in the United States. Dolls were introduced to the immigrant nation of the U.S. in the mid-19th century when German workers brought a toy called "bisque doll" to North America. Bisque dolls originally started as collectible toys in continental Europe, such as France and Germany, but after landing in North America, they became wildly popular among American children.

In the prosperous 20th century, the toy manufacturing industry, led by dolls, grew into a massive industry responsible for national employment. Companies like Mattel and Hasbro, now icons of the global toy industry, were founded in the early to mid-20th century. Given the over 150-year history with countless types of dolls rising and falling, today in the U.S., dolls are treated not just as toys but as high-value collectibles and exhibition pieces.

Doll Doctors Perform 'Restoration' Beyond Simple Repairs

Modern Barbie dolls. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, dolls are not originally durable products. Children playing with them may break arms or legs, or they may wear out over time. Dolls with long histories cannot be carelessly repaired by amateurs. The specialists who professionally "treat" these damaged dolls are the Doll Doctors. American Doll Doctors belong to the "National Doll Doctors Association," running their own workshops or receiving repair orders from clients to earn income.

Doll Doctors must be able to repair all types of dolls, from bisque dolls to modern toys made of plastic materials. This means they need to handle wood, fabric, cotton, porcelain, and synthetic resins, and possess excellent sewing skills as well as a good sense of color. Doll repair work is said to be closer to the restoration of a work of art.

As a profession close to freelancing, the income of Doll Doctors is not fixed. However, according to income analysis data estimated by the Doll Doctors Association, the average annual income of American Doll Doctors ranges from $86,394 to $111,257 per person.

Japan's 'Nuigurumi Hospital' and Korea's Doll Hospitals Also Present in Asia

There are also doll hospitals in Asia. For example, in Japan, there are specialized repair centers called "Omocha Hospital" or "Nuigurumi Hospital." These places are famous for their concept of repairing dolls through a process similar to real hospitals, including reservations, reception, and treatment.

In Korea, a small number of Doll Doctors are known to operate through Instagram direct messages (DM) and KakaoTalk. In Korea, Doll Doctors usually focus on sewing repairs for dolls, and most clients are general doll enthusiasts.