SEOUL, Sep. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Metropolitan Government recently announced that an incense holder featuring a magpie perched atop a hanok has claimed the prestigious grand prize in a competition aimed at uncovering tourist souvenirs that encapsulate Seoul’s unique and contemporary essence.
In total, the city bestowed a grand prize, two first prizes, four second prizes, and 28 third prizes across various categories. These included a grand prize in the tourist souvenir category, one for desserts, 10 Common Category Idea Awards, and 10 Citizen Popularity Awards, all meticulously selected from a pool of 244 entries submitted to the 11th Seoul Symbol Tourist Souvenir Contest.
The coveted grand prize in the tourist souvenir category was awarded to “Like a Magpie, Seoul.” This remarkable incense holder cleverly incorporates the magpie, an iconic symbol of Seoul, and the hanok, a quintessential Korean architectural style, into its design.
Meanwhile, the grand prize in the dessert category went to “Palace in Seoul.” This traditional tea set beautifully showcases images of Seoul’s prominent palaces, including Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung, on its packaging.
Image credit: The Seoul Metropolitan Government, The city of Jeonju (Jeonju Hanok Village), Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com