KOMSCO Launches 'Money Cushion' and 'Money Wallet' Currency Goods Crowdfunding on Wadiz

The Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation announced on the 24th that it has launched new currency-themed merchandise, the Money Cushion and Money Wallet, and is conducting a crowdfunding campaign for these products on Wadiz.

These currency-themed goods are made by recycling by-products generated during the currency printing process. Since March, the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation has been introducing a series of such products. Previously released items include the Money Ballpoint Pen, Money Keyring, and Money Envelope, and the Money Cushion and Money Wallet are the fourth products to expand the lineup.

Image of a wallet. Provided by Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

The corporation has also added a story to the Money Cushion and Money Wallet. To preserve the value of coins, whose issuance volume has been gradually decreasing, the Money Cushion features a 500-won coin design, while the Money Wallet features a 100-won coin design.

The Money Cushion contains 100 grams of 50,000-won banknote by-products (equivalent to 5 million won in currency) along with cotton filling. The inner lining cannot be washed, so it is recommended to air it out periodically for long-term use. The outer cover, which features the 500-won coin image, is made of nylon and is washable.

The Money Wallet, featuring the 100-won coin design, is made of shiny silver synthetic leather to evoke the feeling of a coin. One side of the interior contains 10 grams of 50,000-won banknote by-products (equivalent to 500,000 won in currency), while the other side has an internal pocket for added practicality.

The Money Wallet is designed in the form of a keyring and can be worn on the wrist using the included strap.

The Money Cushion and Money Wallet have been available for purchase through Wadiz crowdfunding since the previous day (the 23rd). Participation in the crowdfunding campaign is open until December 12. The crowdfunding prices are 45,500 won for the Money Cushion and 27,100 won for the Money Wallet, which are lower than the regular prices. The set of both products can be purchased for 68,000 won, which is 11% lower than the combined regular prices of the individual items.

After the crowdfunding campaign ends, the Money Cushion and Money Wallet will be available at regular prices through the corporation’s online shopping mall and other channels. Previously, in July, the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation attracted public attention by launching a gold ballpoint pen through its first-ever crowdfunding campaign.

Seong Changhoon, President of the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation, stated, "The currency-themed merchandise business is a meaningful project that creates new value from by-products generated during currency manufacturing. Going forward, the corporation will continue to set an example in realizing a circular economy and social value through diverse uses of currency by-products."

Meanwhile, the corporation’s currency-themed goods are produced using defective and discarded banknotes generated during the currency manufacturing and distribution process.

Approximately 500 tons of currency by-products are generated annually, and before the launch of the merchandise business, most of these were incinerated, which contributed to environmental pollution. However, since the start of the merchandise business, the development of products that imbue currency by-products with new value and meaning has established a model for ESG circular economy practices.