Foreign Tourists Flock to Buy ‘Mini Ban-gasa-yusang’ Souvenirs, Including BTS RM

Foreign Tourists Flock to Purchase ‘Mini Ban-gasa-yusang’ Souvenirs, Including BTS RM

According to the National Museum Foundation, the ‘MU:DS’ brand’s ‘Mini Ban-gasa-yusang’ has become a popular gift among foreign tourists. The ‘MU:DS’ brand combines the concepts of ‘goods’ and ‘museum’ to create unique museum merchandise. In 2023, the National Museum Foundation recorded its highest-ever sales of 149 billion won, a 27% growth compared to 2022. Among the various products, the ‘Mini Ban-gasa-yusang’ miniature, a smaller version of the ‘Gilt-bronze Maitreya Bodhisattva Ban-gasa-yusang’ (National Treasure No. 83), generated impressive sales of 274 million won in the past year.

Global Popularity of ‘Mini Ban-gasa-yusang’ Souvenirs

The ‘Mini Ban-gasa-yusang’ has garnered attention as the second most purchased item by foreign tourists. Topping the list is a folding fan featuring a painting of the Bakyeon Waterfall and Hwajeopdo. Other popular items include bookmarks, mother-of-pearl tumblers, dragon-shaped cups, souvenir magnets, souvenir pens, traditional Korean folding fans, royal couple utensils, and traditional Korean paper magnets. The National Museum Foundation’s Kim Mi-kyung, head of the product planning team, stated that the National Central Museum achieved a record-breaking annual attendance of 4 million visitors in December last year, with a noticeable increase in foreign visitors. The ‘Mini Ban-gasa-yusang’ holds significant symbolic value as a representative artifact of the National Central Museum and is widely sold as a gift or commemorative item.

Continued Development of Commemorative Products

In response to the growing demand from foreign tourists, the National Museum Foundation plans to focus on developing products that commemorate museum visits. The foundation’s first product to be launched this year is a ‘Tou’ character-shaped ‘Ban-gasa-yusang’ item. The release is scheduled before the Lunar New Year holiday. With its commitment to meeting the increasing needs of foreign tourists, the National Museum Foundation aims to provide a range of products that allow visitors to celebrate their museum experiences.

Record-breaking Attendance at the National Central Museum

Last year, the National Central Museum achieved a record-breaking annual attendance of 4 million visitors. This included a noticeable increase in foreign visitors. The ‘Mini Ban-gasa-yusang’ holds significant symbolic value as a representative artifact of the National Central Museum and is widely sold as a gift or commemorative item. In response to the continuous rise in foreign tourist demand, the National Museum Foundation plans to develop products that commemorate museum visits. Their first product, a ‘Tou’ character-shaped ‘Ban-gasa-yusang’ item, is scheduled to be released before the Lunar New Year holiday.