Busan Museum Brings Cultural Heritage into Everyday Life via Museum Shop
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Busan Museum Brings Cultural Heritage into Everyday Life via Museum Shop
□ Since launching its Museum Shop on May 16, 2026, the Busan Museum has received an enthusiastic response to its branded merchandise.
□ The Museum Shop presents a variety of merchandise inspired by the museum’s collection and characters, extending the museum experience beyond the visit.
○ The Museum Shop is located in the first-floor lobby of the Busan Exhibition Hall and is open daily from 09:30 to 17:30, except on museum closure days and during the lunch break (12:00–13:00). Only credit card payments are accepted.
□ The collection-based goods capture the beauty and symbolism of Busan's legacy through a contemporary visual language.
○ Signature items include the white porcelain mirror vase and the tiger mother and cub keyring, both originating from the 2025 Busan Public Sector Asset Merchandise Development Project—organized by the City Design Policy Division (City Brand Team)—as well as floral and bird painting L-folder files, notebooks, and miniature replicas of the gilt-bronze standing bodhisattva, among a rich selection of other curated product offerings.
□ The museum's characters, Heunggu and Maegi—developed in collaboration with Hozo (Kwon Soon-ho), the mind behind Kakao Friends—are also incorporated into merchandise and are gaining popularity.
○ Heunggu is inspired by a tiger painting exported to Japan through the Choryang Waegwan during the late Joseon Dynasty. Grounded in the traditional belief that tigers and leopards were regarded as a single mythical animal, it is distinguished by leopard-patterned spots on the face and tail and tiger stripes across the body.
○ Maegi is drawn from a hawk painting that was likewise exported to Japan during the same period. Together, Heunggu and Maegi embody Busan's unique historical and cultural narrative.
○ Pouches, stationery, and drinking glasses that change color when filled with cold beverages—all featuring Heunggu and Maegi—blend practicality with relatable design and help younger generations engage with museum content in a fun and accessible way.
□ The Busan Museum is set to introduce merchandise linked to exhibition programs.
○ In conjunction with its special exhibition scheduled for July 7 to August 30 to mark the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, the museum will unveil new products ranging from eco-bags and carbon pencils to glassware co-created with emerging local artists.
○ Cup-shaped Gaya pottery excavated by the museum will be reimagined as mugs. The museum will continue to expand its merchandise lineup rooted in Busan's enduring identity.
