Research and Public Institutions That Got New Mascots in 2023

Several research institutions and public agencies created new mascots in 2023. Many built what the institution does into the character's look and backstory. Some picked the character through a contest, and others held a contest for the name.

Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control, Tumyeongi

The Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC) created the character Tumyeongi through a contest in 2023. Tumyeongi is a bear that represents the institute's nuclear nonproliferation work. Its backstory says it turns into an inspector when it puts on goggles. The institute also has a character named Deundeuni.

Korea Institute of Hydrological Survey, Sukkomi

The Korea Institute of Hydrological Survey (KIHS) unveiled its mascot Sukkomi in 2023. The character is a new employee who surveys water resources carefully, and it holds a magnifying glass. Sukkomi appeared on Instagram, in the Sukkomi Toon comics and in "Sukkomi and the Water Journey," water cycle teaching material for elementary school students.

Korean Bioinformation Center, Bayo

The Korean Bioinformation Center (KOBIC) created Bayo, a fairy character that promotes biomaterials, in 2023. It is the promotional character of KOBIC's biomaterials support group, and its braided hair is drawn as a DNA double helix.

Ministry of Personnel Management, Gwidami

Gwidami, the Ministry of Personnel Management's symbol character for proactive public administration, won the grand prize in the 2023 proactive administration symbol contest. It is a rabbit with its ears raised.

Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering, Haeri

The Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) named its mascot Haeri through a naming contest in 2023. Haeri was modeled on the KRISO symbol mark and was used in Q&A content on social media.

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Miero

In September 2023, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) held a public contest to name the character of its Food Safety Korea website. The character monitors food hazard information and is described as a meerkat hero. Its name is Miero. Its role is to spread information from Food Safety Korea.

Korea Association of Social Welfare Centers, Ieumi

The Korea Association of Social Welfare Centers (KASWC) created its official character Ieumi in September 2023. Ieumi serves as an ambassador for social welfare centers. The association sold Ieumi plush dolls to member welfare centers and branches for their events.

Gyeonggi Agricultural and Fisheries Promotion Foundation, Minong and Suni

In December 2023, the Gyeonggi Agricultural and Fisheries Promotion Foundation posted artwork of its characters Minong and Suni on its website and made AI and PNG files available for download.