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Inje County Launches Tourism Keyring Inspired by Road Sign Design

Inje County Merchandise Takes Social Media by Storm... Delivering Strong Promotional Impact

The travel merchandise item “Inje Sinnam Keyring,” produced by Inje County in Gangwon Province, is drawing attention online and spreading by word of mouth among tourists.

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A small piece of merchandise that makes use of a familiar road sign is being credited with boosting awareness of the local brand through its organic spread online.

The “Inje Sinnam Keyring” was created by directly adopting the font and overall look of the “Inje Sinnam” road guide sign that can be seen on National Route 44, which runs from Hongcheon to the East Coast.

Inje Sinnam merchandise. Provided by Inje-gun

The sign has been circulating online as “the sign that makes you excited when you see it,” and has frequently appeared in travel selfies and posts, especially among Millennials & Gen Z.

Recently, a post by a Twitter user introducing the “Inje Sinnam Keyring” was shared widely, sparking a wave of related posts and photos on social media.

Alongside photos of the keyring, more content is being created in which people visit the actual road sign to take proof shots, and “Inje Sinnam” is being rediscovered not just as a simple place name, but as a fun travel highlight and a memorable spot.

Because this sharing and spread is happening voluntarily without separate advertising, the case is also seen as confirming the potential of using small merchandise items as a tool for tourism promotion.

Amid this trend, young people in particular are responding that it is “fun and cute” and “puts you in a good mood,” further enhancing its usefulness as a tourism promotional item.

Inje County plans to continue discovering and expanding small merchandise items, including the keyring, that tourists can use in their daily lives, with the aim of shifting perceptions from “a place name you just pass by” to “Inje, a place you remember and return to.”

In addition, Inje County is also unveiling teddy bear merchandise produced in collaboration with Teddy Bear in order to diversify its tourism goods.

This merchandise targets family tourists and souvenir demand, and, together with the existing small items, is increasing its role as a keepsake for visits to tourist attractions.

The county plans to gradually expand its lineup of merchandise that reflects the region’s image and stories.

As of February 22, 2026, the “Inje Sinnam Keyring” can be purchased at the 38 Service Area (Nam-myeon, Inje County), the Inje County Multicultural Cafe (inside Inje County Office), and the sales outlet of the Jajaknamu Village Agricultural Corporation (Birch Forest parking lot).

Because the prepared quantity is limited, it may sell out early, so visitors who wish to purchase one should check the inventory status at each sales location.

The head of the Tourism Division of Inje County said, “An everyday element like a road sign is being reinterpreted with a cheerful image, naturally imprinting the place name ‘Inje,’” adding, “We will continue to discover travel merchandise and content that present the region’s charms in new ways, and strengthen linked promotion together with the expansion of distribution channels.”

Meanwhile, Inje County plans to continue its promotional strategy of expanding distribution channels for tourism merchandise and enhancing content connected to major tourist hubs, so that it leads to actual visits and longer stays by tourists.