Schools Pick New Mascots Through Student Contests and Ideas

In 2026, several elementary, middle and high schools and universities chose new school mascots or redrew existing ones. In many cases, students came up with the ideas themselves or took part in contests and judging. Some schools also posted artwork of their chosen mascots on their websites.

Sanggal Elementary's Songi, chosen through a contest

Sanggal Elementary School in Gyeonggi Province chose a new character, Songi, through a school character contest on June 1, 2026. The school introduced Songi on its website as its new school character.

Gajeong Girls' Middle School's Gamongi, from a third-year student's idea

Gamongi, the new mascot of Gajeong Girls' Middle School in Incheon, was born in 2026 from an idea by a third-year student. The school also presented drawings of Gamongi with a range of facial expressions.

Wolmun Elementary's Wori and Muni, redrawn from student work

Wori and Muni of Namyangju Wolmun Elementary School in Gyeonggi were first created by parents in 2012. In 2026, the school held the Wori Muni IB character contest and redrew the two characters based on student entries. Characters made by parents were passed on into students' hands.

Wonbong Middle School's Bongbongi, down to a graduation Bongbongi

Wonbong Middle School in North Chungcheong Province released artwork of its school logo and its mascot, Bongbongi, in July 2026. The set includes drawings for different uses, such as a key ring Bongbongi, a running Bongbongi, a victory Bongbongi, a welcome Bongbongi and a graduation Bongbongi. The school included a copyright notice with the artwork.

Dongseong High School's Istarbit, through a student contest and judging

Dongseong High School in North Chungcheong Province chose its official mascot, Istarbit, in October 2026 after a student contest and judging. Istarbit is a rabbit character with stars on the tips of its ears. News of the selection appeared on the North Chungcheong Provincial Office of Education blog and in local media.

At universities too: Woosuk University's WOON

At the university level, the student council joined the contest. In June 2026, Woosuk University gave the grand prize and final selection to WOON, a lion character, in a slogan and character contest held jointly by the university and its student council. The university said it plans to use WOON in promotional materials, merchandise and digital content.

The six schools each chose and announced their mascots in different ways. Some held contests, some built mascots from student ideas and artwork, and some published artwork for different uses.