New Characters and Design Contests Mark January 2026

In January 2026, South Korean local governments and universities launched new characters or expanded their characters' activities. A character marking a city's elevation to city status and characters for a traditional market were unveiled, and some places chose characters through public participation and contests.

Gwacheon: Communication Characters for 40th Anniversary of City Status

Gwacheon City Hall, Gyeonggi Province, unveiled new communication characters Songi and Yuri on January 2, 2026, marking the 40th anniversary of its elevation to city status. Songi is a communication fairy based on a chestnut burr. The city plans to use Songi on its website, social media, events and festivals, and promotional materials. It also announced plans for offline use at events and festivals and for merchandise such as keychain dolls. Gwacheon's characters also include Tori and Ari.

Guri: Characters for a Traditional Market and Shopping Streets

Guri City Hall, Gyeonggi Province, unveiled "Waguri and Friends," characters for Guri Traditional Market and five alley-style shopping streets, on January 8, 2026, together with a unified brand identity. The city said it plans to apply the characters step by step to joint marketing, including festivals, products and signs. Besides Waguri, Guri's characters include Arimi, Subungi and Ppoguri.

Gwangyang and Sokcho City Museum: Public Participation and Contests

Gwangyang City, South Jeolla Province, selected seven candidates for its character friends through public participation in January 2026. Gwangyang has Maedori, a character based on the maesil (green plum).

The Sokcho City Museum in Gangwon accepted entries for a contest for its first signature character starting January 27, 2026. The schedule called for a preference survey in March and completion in April.

Universities: An Awards Ceremony and Interview Halls

GangNeung YeongDong University held an awards ceremony on January 13, 2026, for its contest for school character and merchandise ideas. The university's official character is Yuksami, made up of Yugi and Sami.

According to a January 6, 2026, report by the Korea University News, Yeungnam University College operates a real-life version of its mascot Yeongi and sent it out to cheer on applicants during the interview period and to take part in campus activities.

Suyeong District, Busan: Exhibition of Mory's Achievements

An exhibition showing the short-form video and merchandise design work of Mory, the character of Suyeong District, Busan, was held from January 19 to 21, 2026, at the Suyeong District Community Culture Center. The Suyeong District Office supported the exhibition.