Mascots Take the Stage at Fall 2026 Festivals and Events

In September and October 2026, mascots turned up at local festivals and events across South Korea. Their uses varied, from life-size cutouts and opening ceremonies to relay short-form videos, merchandise giveaways, traditional hanji lanterns and virtual games.

Eumseong and Jangseong counties: life-size cutouts and an opening ceremony

Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, set up life-size cutouts of its mascot Ssiagi around the grounds of the 2026 Eumseong Masterpiece Festival. It held a photo event with the cutouts and gave away Geodori and Ssiagi merchandise.

Jangseong County put its county mascots Seongjang and Jangseong at the front of the opening ceremony of the 38th Jeonnam-Gwangju Sports for All Festival, held at Yellow City Stadium in September 2026.

Daegu Tteokbokki Festival: relay short-form videos with BBOGI and Chiman

The Daegu Tteokbokki Festival, hosted by Buk District, Daegu, released relay short-form videos with the Wonju Mandu Festival in September 2026. BBOGI, the main promotional mascot of the tteokbokki festival, and Chiman, the mascot of the Wonju Mandu Festival, promoted both festivals together. The 6th Daegu Tteokbokki Festival ran from October 23 to 25, 2026. BBOGI greeted visitors at the entrance, and a BBOGI photo zone was also operated.

Jinju City: Hamo merchandise for visitors from outside the city

Jinju City, South Gyeongsang Province, held a tourism and spending verification event for visitors from outside the city during its festival period from October 3 to 18, 2026. Visitors who spent 50,000 won ($36) or more received merchandise, such as a Hamo keyring and plush toy set, at the Gongbukmun booth.

A film festival and a content fair: Mundeugi and Beuri

The Korea Culture Information Service Agency (KCISA) opened a promotional booth featuring its mascot Mundeugi at the Busan International Film Festival in September 2026. It ran photo sessions and a prize draw event.

Kyungil University brought its school mascot Beuri to life as a real-time virtual character at the 2026 Daegu Content Fair and played games with visitors.

Pyeongtaek and Yeonggwang: a festival mascot and hanji lanterns

The 2026 Marshmellong Festival, hosted by Pyeongtaek City and Pyeongtaek Cultural Center, was held for three days in Godeok-dong. The festival mascot Marshmellong reimagines bale silage as a marshmallow and has been used since the 2023 Pyeongtaek Marshmellong Festival. The 2026 festival took place at Hambaksan Central Park in Godeok.

Yeonggwang County displayed traditional hanji lanterns of Sangsaho, the mascot of the 26th Yeonggwang Bulgapsan Sangsahwa Festival, at the Yeonggwang Forest Museum from October 2 to November 6, 2026.