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Experience Korea Souvenir Fair 2025 at Seoul’s DDP—Korea’s largest showcase of regional crafts, KTO award-winning souvenirs, & travel keepsakes.
From November 21 to 23, 2025, the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul will transform into Korea’s largest gathering of travel keepsakes and creative design goods. Hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) together with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), the event brings together creators, local governments and design-makers under one roof.
A Seven-Zone Journey Through Korea
The fair is organised into thematic zones that guide visitors through Korea’s diverse creative and regional offerings:
- Stationery & Office Supplies – design-forward notebooks, desk goods with local motifs
- Beauty & Cosmetics – the latest K-Beauty souvenirs and travel-friendly sets
- Crafts & Artisan Goods – handcrafted ceramics, textiles and materials tied to regional traditions
- Home & Lifestyle Essentials – items that integrate Korean design into everyday life
- Fashion Accessories – wearable design pieces with cultural references
- Processed & Regional Foods – local snacks, teas and specialty foods linked to place
- Regional Tourism Clusters – booths spotlighting the culture, materials and crafts of particular Korean provinces
These zones enable visitors not only to browse but to walk through a micro-map of Korea’s regional creativity.
Highlights & Experiences at the Fair — Featuring the 2025 Awards
At the heart of this year’s fair is the spotlight on the winners of the 2025 KTO souvenir contest:
- The Grand Prize (대상 / Presidential Award) was awarded to the “Joseon Royal Wine Stopper” (조선왕실 와인마개), a design inspired by the image of the king seated on the throne at Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- Other recognitions include the Gold Prize to “Gyodong’s Biju Daemongje 1779 Traditional Liquor” and “Gold Leaf Craft DIY Colouring Kit: Korean Traditional Gilding (Glitting)”.
- The contest this year recorded its highest-ever competition ratio of 27 to 1, underscoring its prestige.
- These award-winning products will be featured at the fair, making them key destinations for travellers looking for standout souvenirs.
This contest spotlight enriches the traveller’s experience at the fair: you’re not just browsing — you’re seeing the forefront of Korean design and craftsmanship in real time.
Why This Fair Matters — Especially for Travellers
For travellers, the 2025 Souvenir Fair offers far more than last-minute gift shopping. It’s a chance to engage with Korea’s creative economy, regional heritage and cultural identity.
The Cultural Value of Souvenirs
In Korean culture, the act of gifting carries meaning beyond the object. There is an emphasis on jeongseong (정성) — sincere effort and thought behind a gift. Souvenirs here reflect that spirit: thoughtfully crafted, regionally rooted, and designed for daily use rather than just display.
Support for Regional Heritage & Craftsmanship
Many items on display stem from local traditions—hanji paper goods, ceramics made using native clays, and food items tied to local produce. Purchasing such items helps sustain small-scale artisans and preserve regional identities in a fast-changing modern Korea.
A Blend of Tradition and Modern Design
The best souvenirs reinterpret heritage through contemporary design. At the fair, you’ll find, for example, traditional Korean motifs used in stationery and artisanal goods reimagined for modern living. This fusion of old and new makes each item a meaningful discovery.
Practical and Memorable Keepsakes
Rather than generic tourist trinkets, the items at the fair are often things you’ll use: a beautifully designed notebook, a regional tea blend, a minimalist accessory. These are objects that travel home—and anchor your Korean experience.
Story-Driven Buying
Every piece has a back story: the region it comes from, the materials used, the craftsperson behind it. In this way, buying becomes part of the travel narrative rather than just a transaction.
Visitor Tips – Make the Most of Your Visit
- Arrive early: The fair runs from 10:00 a.m. on the first day. On Nov 21–22, the fair is open until 19:00 (last entry at 18:30), and on Nov 23, until 18:00 (last entry at 17:20).
- Prioritise based on interest: If you love craft and design, head to those zones early before they get crowded.
- Talk to the makers: Ask about materials, region and design inspiration—it enriches the experience.
- Think about practicality: If flying home, pick items that pack well (compact snacks, stationery, small design goods).
- Extend your visit: DDP sits in a vibrant design & shopping neighbourhood—consider pairing the fair with exploration of the Dongdaemun area.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Souvenir Fair at DDP offers travellers something rare: the chance to bring home a piece of Korea that carries story, style and substance. Rather than picking from a mainstream gift shelf, you’re entering a curated world of regional creativity and cultural meaning. Whether you’re browsing for yourself or shopping for loved ones, this is one fair where choosing well means caring deeply.
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