99 Entries Submitted Nationwide
15 Winners Selected Through Rigorous Screening
Gyeongbuk Province announced on May 26 that it held the 28th Gyeongsangbuk-do Tourism Souvenir Contest and selected 15 winning works.
Marking its 28th year, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Tourism Souvenir Contest was organized by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Tourism Association. The contest was open to the public nationwide from March 31 to April 28, and a total of 99 entries were submitted.
A judging panel consisting of six experts from various fields selected 15 winning works on May 20, including one Grand Prize, two Gold Prizes, two Silver Prizes, four Bronze Prizes, and six Encouragement Prizes.
The judging process included a preference poll conducted among tourists, which was reflected in the evaluation, thereby incorporating diverse perspectives from actual consumers who purchase and use souvenirs.
In particular, in celebration of the 2025 APEC summit, this year's contest newly established a premium category to discover a variety of souvenirs for international visitors to Gyeongbuk. The contest was divided into two categories: premium and general. Works in the general category were required to have a desired selling price of 50,000 KRW or less, while those in the premium category ranged from over 50,000 KRW to 200,000 KRW.
The Grand Prize was awarded to "The Origin of Gyeongbuk" by Kim Kwangsu from Daegu. This incense holder product is inspired by the main body of the Three-story Stone Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple and the Thirteen-story Stone Pagoda at Jeonghyesa Temple in Gyeongju.
This product, made from solid wood, resembles the stone pagodas in Gyeongju, which are designated as national treasures. It features a stable and restrained design, earning praise from the judges for its elegant and well-balanced proportions. As an incense holder, it was also recognized for its practicality in addition to its value as an interior decoration.
In the general category, the Gold Prize went to "Silla Royal Earrings," earrings inspired by the Gyeongju Gold Crown Large Hoop Earrings, created by Yoon Kihae (Korea Craft) from Busan. In the premium category, the Gold Prize was awarded to "King Seongdeok Divine Bell Souvenir," a ceramic replica of the King Seongdeok Divine Bell, created by Song Youngcheol and Song Wonsook (Oeul Ceramics Research Institute) from Yeongcheon.
In the general category, the Silver Prize went to "Gyeongbuk Dancheong Tumbler Series" by Jang Woo-gyu (Design WooQ) from Seoul. In the premium category, the Silver Prize was awarded to "Containing the Symbols of Gyeongbuk," a set of forks and teaspoons by Lee Jaeho from Chungcheongbuk-do. For the Bronze Prize, the general category winners were "Silla Gold Crown Mug Cup" by Lee Jongcheol from Gyeongju and "Royal Court Snack Gift Set" by Yeom Misook (Chilbaek Brewery) from Gyeongju. In the premium category, the winners were "Silver Cloisonne Cloud Pattern Thimble Ornament" by Seo Hyojin (Art&N) from Gyeonggi-do and "The Beauty of Korea Made with Nomok Sotdae" by Seo Jeongeun (Nolbaejle) from Chilgok-gun, Gyeongbuk.
Gyeongbuk Province plans to support the promotion and sales of the winning works by producing a collection of the awarded pieces, participating in exhibitions and fairs, and operating pop-up stores.
Kim Byung-gon, Director of Culture, Tourism and Sports at Gyeongbuk Province, stated, "Tourism souvenirs help shape the image of a region, making it memorable for tourists and encouraging repeat visits. We will continue to provide support so that the tourism souvenirs selected through this contest can help promote the charm of Gyeongbuk."
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