Mascots of 2026

60 stories · by event date

2026 2025 2024 2023

November

Chuncheon Citizen FC Unveils Tiger Mascot Chuni

The name, chosen from about 100 fan entries, combines the Korean characters for "spring" and "benefit." The club plans to use the mascot at home games and on merchandise starting next year.

Nov 12, 2026

Sports · Brief

Samsung Lions' Bleo Family Celebrates First Championship in 12 Years

The lion family mascot arrived with the opening of Lions Park in 2016. Samsung's semiconductor business has its own mascot, Dalsu, an otter from the Osancheon stream.

Nov 12, 2026

Local · Brief

Pouri, Byeolsan, Parangi and Gatpyeongi Film Hometown Love Donation Short Video

Pocheon, Yangju, Paju and Gapyeong have teamed up to encourage year-end donations. The video will be released on each city's and county's social media channels.

Nov 12, 2026

Local · Feature

Gangwon Mascots at a Glance, From Potato Ongsimi to Sisittakttaki

School characters make up the largest group. Wonju runs separate characters for the environment, quitting smoking and suicide prevention.

Nov 12, 2026

Business · Brief

Gravity Releases 16 Ragnarok Moonlight Flower Stickers on LINE

The Ragnarok monster topped a character preference survey of users in Taiwan. The stickers are on sale in about 200 regions.

Nov 12, 2026

Local

Red Cross Mascot Nanumi and Gyeongnam's Byeori Win Grand Prizes at 2026 Character Awards

Nanumi won in the public representative character category. Byeori won the local government communication and promotion category for the second year in a row.

Nov 12, 2026

News · Notice

2026 Mascot of the Year Opens Soon

Daily Mascot and Lud Dynamics are jointly hosting the event. It will select the mascots that were loved over the past year.

Nov 10, 2026

Opinion · Column

Mascots Do Not Have Terms of Office

Growing an existing face is harder than creating a new one. That is why it is worth more.

Nov 10, 2026

News · Feature

What 10 Years of the Yuru-chara Grand Prix Left Behind

Japan's mascot popularity contest drew a record 1,727 characters in 2015. After controversy over organized voting, it ended in 2020.

Nov 10, 2026

Tech · Feature

A Mascot Suit's Summer, and Now a Walking Character Robot

Stricter heat rules have made mascot suits harder to run. Disney and South Korean companies are putting character robots to work.

Nov 10, 2026

Business · Feature

Opening Up the Artwork Sold the Mascots: Boogi and Kumamon

Busan opened its mascot Boogi to free use in 2021. Japan's Kumamon can be used without a fee when the purpose is promotion.

Nov 10, 2026

News · Feature

South Korea's Mascot Awards: Who Runs Them and What They Pick

Public characters compete at a festival, while club mascots run in a class president election. Each award differs in who can enter and how winners are chosen.

Nov 10, 2026

News · Analysis

The Mascot Directory by the Numbers: 5,091 Mascots

Local government mascots are the most numerous in the Mascot Directory. Public institutions and elementary schools come next.

Nov 10, 2026

News · Notice

How Daily Mascot Writes Its Stories

The newsroom sets out its commitments on publication dates and event dates, sources and corrections, and the labeling of sponsorships and conflicts of interest.

Nov 10, 2026

Opinion · Column

Mascots Need a Record Too

On the launch of Daily Mascot, we commit to recording, accurately, why mascots are created and how they are used.

Nov 10, 2026

News · Notice

Daily Mascot Launches With a Directory of 5,091 Mascots From Across South Korea

An online newspaper that covers only mascots has launched. It is also publishing a record of South Korean mascots going back to 2023.

Nov 10, 2026

Brands · Brief

9.81 Park Jeju's Gyureu Fronts Nauda Tourism Campaign

9.81 Park Jeju is putting its tangerine mascot Gyureu at the center of a campaign for Nauda members. Members who use the full package receive a limited-edition bandana.

Archive · Nov 6, 2026

October

Local

Gyeongsangnam-do Wins Top Prize at Public Character Festival Awards

Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government won the top prize in the government and local government category. Sejong National Arboretum's Roki, Korea National Railway's Railo and the Hanbang Family also won awards.

Archive · Oct 17, 2026

Business

Boeun Jujube Festival Turns 20, Opens Shop for Mascots Bomi and Euni

Boeun County gave away free Bomi and Euni emoticons to mark the jujube festival's 20th anniversary. It also ran a merchandise shop at the festival grounds.

Archive · Oct 16, 2026

Local

Nonsan Strawberry Festival Characters Win Top Prize at Public Character Festival

The Nonsan Strawberry Festival characters won the top prize in the festival category. The Korea Employment Information Service's Yongyongi and Ppiyagi won the popularity award in the public category.

Archive · Oct 16, 2026

Local

Gangneung's Haseullang Draws More Than 1,000 Visitors to Bread Festival Booth

More than 1,000 people visited Haseullang's promotional booth on the opening day of the Gangneung Bread Festival. The mascot also ran a giant doll photo zone at the noodle festival.

Archive · Oct 10, 2026

Brands · Brief

S-OIL Mascot GooDOIL Becomes a Soldier for Armed Forces Day

S-OIL released a training-themed video, "Jinjja Doili," to mark Armed Forces Day. GooDOIL also took part in the Ministry of National Defense's character unification project.

Archive · Oct 2, 2026

September

Business

CU Friends and Peripera Launch 10 Beauty Products

The products are the industry's first beauty line built on a convenience store's own character IP. A pop-up has opened in Seongsu, and the company plans distribution in 13 overseas countries.

Archive · Sep 28, 2026

Local · Feature

Mascots Take the Stage at Fall 2026 Festivals and Events

Ssiagi of Eumseong, BBOGI of Daegu and Hamo of Jinju were among the mascots out in force at fall festivals. Others appeared at a film festival and a content fair.

Archive · Sep 28, 2026

Local

Yangyang Pine Mushroom and Salmon Festival Unveils Four Official Characters

Songsongi and Solhalbae represent the world of the mountain, while Yeondongi and Daecheon Eommeom represent the world of the river. The festival's programs also follow the characters' story.

Archive · Sep 15, 2026

Brands

Hanmi Science Unveils Anne, Official Character of Its Anne Series

Hanmi Science has unveiled Anne, a single character for its eight over-the-counter Anne series medicines. Employees chose the red-haired girl in a vote.

Archive · Sep 14, 2026

People

ROSA Named Korea Labor Foundation Character Through Public AI Contest

The Korea Labor Foundation held a contest for characters the public drew with generative AI. The grand prize winner, ROSA, is now the foundation's official character.

Archive · Sep 7, 2026

August

Local

Revived Goyang Goyangi Reunites With Pengsoo After Seven Years

The Goyang mascot, shelved after its 2023 replacement, returned in July. It filmed a short-form dance challenge video with Pengsoo to promote the city brand.

Archive · Aug 29, 2026

Business · Feature

Agencies and Companies Turn to Contests for Mascot Merchandise and Names in 2026

Korea Expressway Corporation, Gwangjin District, KSPO and Mungyeong City held merchandise design contests. The Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety and CJ CheilJedang sought names for their characters.

Archive · Aug 5, 2026

Business

KT's Mint Raon Teams Up With Starship's Miniv for Collaboration Pop-Up

The collaboration goods were sold at a pop-up in Hongdae and at online and offline stores. The release came about a month after the two companies signed a character IP agreement in June.

Archive · Aug 5, 2026

Brands · Feature

From Habimi to Kiwooma, Corporate Characters of Summer 2026

Companies released a string of new characters in summer 2026. Kyowon Tour's AI character Easy passed 1 million views on short-form videos.

Archive · Aug 2026

Local · Feature

Public Agency Characters Reach the Finals of the 2026 Public Character Festival

Public agency characters made up 42 of the 74 finalists. Pai Chai University's Naseomi received 5,160 votes.

Archive · Aug 2026

July

Local

KOICA's PeKO Friends Reach Public Character Festival Finals for Second Straight Year

The five characters represent KOICA's five core values, the 5Ps. They have appeared as emoticons, at pop-up stores and in overseas official development assistance promotions.

Archive · Jul 27, 2026

Business

Gijang County Opens 'Gijang Friends' Pop-Up Store at Lotte Mall East Busan

The pop-up at Lotte Mall East Busan was designed around a harbor departure theme. It offered a stamp tour and limited-edition merchandise.

Archive · Jul 24, 2026

Local

2026 Public Character Festival Opens Public Vote for Finals

The public vote runs from July 20 to Aug. 21. The Seoul Volunteer Center's Hana, Maum and Woori lead with 7,706 votes.

Archive · Jul 20, 2026

Business

Character Licensing Fair 2026 Draws About 40,900 Visitors

About 40,900 people visited 722 booths from 241 companies. Busan Metropolitan City's Boogi and Lotte Department Store's Kinder Universe also took part.

Archive · Jul 16, 2026

Local

Incheon's New Geomdan and Yeongjong Districts Put Mascots Front and Center

Geomdan District is bringing its mascots Geomi and Danbi to its events. Yeongjong District introduced its new mascot Yeonggeuli at its first festival.

Archive · Jul 14, 2026

People

Mirae Asset Securities Makes 'Animal Expedition' Season 2 With a University Partner

The five-part financial animation was made with Chungkang College of Cultural Industries. It is available in 13 languages on the YouTube channel Smart Money.

Archive · Jul 7, 2026

Local

Busan Transportation Corporation Unveils New Mascots Booray and Tavio, First in 15 Years

The two characters, a seagull train and a paper ticket, were chosen in a vote weighted 60% to citizens and 40% to employees.

Archive · Jul 1, 2026

June

Brands

Buldak's New Mascot PEPPO Gets an Official Platform

Samyang Roundsquare has replaced HOCHI with PEPPO as Buldak's main mascot. It also opened PEPPO World.com and the PEPPO World Shop.

Archive · Jun 23, 2026

Local

Korea Institute of Toxicology Unveils Mascot DOKA on YouTube

DOKA is a chameleon researcher whose body changes color according to toxicity risk. The character also reached the finals of a public character festival.

Archive · Jun 16, 2026

People · Feature

Schools Pick New Mascots Through Student Contests and Ideas

From Sanggal Elementary School's Songi to Woosuk University's WOON, several schools chose mascots through student contests and ideas.

Archive · Jun 2026

May

Business · Brief

Chungjussi Shop Wins Grand Prize at Customer Love Brand Awards for Second Year

The shop sells 219 items, including goods featuring Chungju City's character Chungjussi. Its annual sales more than doubled in a year.

Archive · May 22, 2026

Business · Brief

Korea Customs Service's Mata Joins Public Character Goods Pop-Up at Duty-Free Store

The 11-day pop-up ran at Lotte Duty Free World Tower. Mata appeared alongside Kumdori, Hamo, Joayong and others.

Archive · May 21, 2026

News · Feature

May 2026: Characters at Family Month Events

Characters took center stage at museum children's festivals and at Children's Day events in Daedeok District and Busan. A carbon neutrality center in Nowon and Hyundai Motor also put characters in front.

Archive · May 5, 2026

April

Local

Korea Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission Picks Media Guardians as Mascots

Miring, Bangtol and Tongdi, the top entry in a public contest, work as one team. The commission has also released digital goods every month.

Archive · Apr 17, 2026

Business

Nonsan's 'Berry Friends' Sell Out All 1,000 Festival Goods

Goods featuring the strawberry fairies Sweetbell, Kingsbell and Vitabell sold out at the festival. More than 2,000 more were sold through reservations.

Archive · Apr 11, 2026

Local

Damyang County Finalizes New Tourism Mascots Damnagwi, Daejjogi and Meti

The county gathered opinions from about 2,000 residents and tourists and 40 experts. The new characters will be officially unveiled at the Damyang Bamboo Festival.

Archive · Apr 8, 2026

Local · Brief

Dobong District Launches Official Instagram for Eunbongi and Hakbongi

The first post went up on April 1, 2026. The district posts webtoons and reels every Wednesday and is considering selling merchandise.

Archive · Apr 1, 2026

March

Sports · Feature

Corporate and Club Mascots Team Up With Sports Teams in 2026

Malhaeboca's Chu, Hana Insurance's Byeoljanggun and Everland's Lessy partnered with sports clubs. SSG Landers and IBK Altos put their own club characters forward.

Archive · Mar 29, 2026

Brands · Brief

Kumho Tire's Ttoro and Roro Appear in Netflix Campaign

The campaign was introduced as Netflix's first corporate brand partnership in South Korea. The two characters appear as Squid Game contestants.

Archive · Mar 23, 2026

Local

Chuncheon Tourism Characters Bomnae Crew Hold First Pop-Up in City Hall Lobby

Six characters, including ones modeled on dakgalbi and makguksu, appeared at their first pop-up store. The event continued as a pop-up touring local tourist sites.

Archive · Mar 20, 2026

Sports

Hwaseong FC Unveils Mars and Po, the Club's First Mascots

Mars is an alien creature styled as the club's official cheerleader. The mascots have expanded their activities through themed events and pop-ups.

Archive · Mar 19, 2026

February

Local · Brief

National Gaya History and Culture Center Opens Public Contest for Signature Character

The center, run by the Korea Heritage Service, opened in September 2024. One year and five months later, it is looking for a character to be its face.

Archive · Feb 20, 2026

Local · Brief

Prosecutors' Digital Forensic Center Names Its Owl Mascot Olli

The National Digital Forensic Center of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office held a naming contest for its owl mascot. The winning entry was Olli.

Archive · Feb 13, 2026

Business · Feature

From a Keyring Vote to Emoticons, February's Mascot Merchandise

From a vote on Eokdori keyrings to KDZ emoticons, a research institute, an international organization, universities and companies turned their mascots into merchandise.

Archive · Feb 2026

January

Local

Cheonan Steps Up Tourism Marketing With Mascots NUBI and DDOWA

The campaign began with monthly wallpapers and short-form videos. It has since expanded to Cheonan City FC home games and the Heungtaryeong Dance Festival.

Archive · Jan 23, 2026

People

Hongseong County Picks Hongberry and Others From 525 Local Specialty Character Entries

Hongseong County chose the strawberry character Hongberry and the garlic characters Maru and Roro. In August, Ttori and Ssari reached the finals of a character festival.

Archive · Jan 14, 2026

Local · Feature

New Characters and Design Contests Mark January 2026

Gwacheon and Guri unveiled new characters in January 2026. Gwangyang and the Sokcho City Museum turned to public participation and contests to choose theirs.

Archive · Jan 2026

News · Feature

New Faces and New Versions for Mascots in the First Month of the Year

Samcheokdongja got its first new look in 25 years. Soeburi gained an eco version, and Starkona hosted an event as an AI character.

Archive · Jan 2026