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      • Hangeul— Letters to Write, Souvenirs to Keep

        • 09/17/2025

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  • Hangeul Day, celebrated on October 9, offers a chance to experience Korea’s one-of-a-kind script and culture in a special way. First created by King Sejong, Hangeul has grown beyond a writing system into everyday keepsakes that delight travelers. From keyboards inspired by the colorful dancheong patterns that adorn palace architecture to cookies shaped like Hangeul letters, you can see, touch, and taste Hangeul—and even take home souvenirs that capture its beauty.

    Souvenirs that Capture the Beauty of Hangeul

    1. MU:DS Collectibles

    MU:DS, now available at the National Museum of Korea —currently one of the most popular travel destinations—offers high-value collectibles that reinterpret Korea’s national treasures in a modern way. Discover a wide range of items that embody the elegance of Korean tradition.

    Dancheong Mechanical Wired Keyboard ⓒNational Museum Foundation of Korea MU:DS

    Dancheong Mechanical Wired Keyboard ⓒNational Museum Foundation of Korea MU:DS

    Dancheong Mechanical Wired KeyboardThis keyboard draws inspiration from dancheong, the traditional art of painting colorful patterns on wooden architecture in Korea. Winner of the Bronze Prize at the 2024 Korea Tourist Souvenir Contest, it showcases vivid hues and intricate designs reminiscent of those seen in royal palaces and Buddhist temples. The space bar features a dancheong motif from the main beam of Yangcheonsa Daeungjeon Hall, preserved at the National Folk Museum of Korea, while the keycaps are engraved with Korean calligraphy, adding a distinctive cultural flair.

    Hangeul “Hangeul “Bok” Magnet  ⓒNational Museum Foundation of Korea MU:DS
    Hangeul “Hangeul “Bok” Magnet  ⓒNational Museum Foundation of Korea MU:DS

    Hangeul “Bok” Magnet ⓒNational Museum Foundation of Korea MU:DS

    Hangeul “Bok” MagnetShaped like the Hangeul letter “복 (bok)”, this gold-toned magnet embodies the Korean wish for happiness and prosperity. Its shimmering finish brings a cheerful touch to any surface—from the fridge to the front door. Light and travel-friendly, it slips easily into your luggage and makes a meaningful gift for family and friends.

    2. K-Heritage Store Collectibles

    Run by the Korea Heritage Agency, the K-Heritage Store brings a modern design touch to Korea’s timeless traditions. With items that are both practical and memorable, it’s a favorite stop for travelers looking to take home a piece of heritage.

    Hangeul Teacup Set ⓒKorea Heritage Agency
    Hangeul Teacup Set ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    Hangeul Teacup Set ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    Hangeul Teacup SetThis porcelain teacup set is inspired by Hangeul, with consonant letters embossed on the cup and saucer to add a sense of dimension. The forms of the consonants—modeled after speech organs—express the design principle behind Hangeul’s creation. Available in white porcelain or celadon, the set comes in a wooden box with an English guide explaining the meaning and use of Hangeul

    Hangeul Day Badge ⓒKorea Heritage Agency
    Hangeul Day Badge ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    Hangeul Day Badge ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    Hangeul Day BadgeThis metal badge recreates the Hangeul script featured on the 1946 stamp commemorating the 500th anniversary of Hangeul’s proclamation. Over the centuries, Hangeul has taken on slightly different forms—like the diagonal stroke in “ㅋ” or the older shape of “ㅌ”—inviting a playful comparison with today’s letters. Measuring 2.5 cm square, the badge makes a charming accent on bags, hats, and other accessories.

     Hangeul Mother-of-Pearl Pen ⓒKorea Heritage Agency
     Hangeul Mother-of-Pearl Pen ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    Hangeul Mother-of-Pearl Pen ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    Hangeul Mother-of-Pearl PenThis handcrafted ballpoint pen features Hangeul consonants cut from natural mother-of-pearl—a traditional decorative material made from the lustrous inner layer of shells. Each piece is hand-inlaid on the barrel, giving the pen a refined finish. The black body provides striking contrast, highlighting the mother-of-pearl’s iridescence. The pen also includes an extra refill and comes in an elegant paper case, making it an excellent gift for formal occasions.

    3. Hangeul-Shaped Snacks

    These playful snacks are shaped like Hangeul letters, letting you learn the Korean alphabet as you eat. Created by foreign residents, they offer a fun and easy way to enjoy Hangeul.

    Kalphabets (Hangeul Cookies) ⓒHangeul Cookies
    Kalphabets (Hangeul Cookies) ⓒHangeul Cookies

    Kalphabets (Hangeul Cookies) ⓒHangeul Cookies

    Kalphabets (Hangeul Cookies)) : Hangeul-shaped cookies created by American TV personality Tyler Rasch and Indian entrepreneur Nidhi Agrawal started with a simple question: “There are alphabet cookies in Korea, so why not Hangeul cookies?” The answer came with their launch on Hangeul Day in 2023. The chocolate flavor stands out with its rich taste and crisp texture, pairing perfectly with milk. The garlic flavor will return in November. Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, these cookies also make a great gift to share across cultures.

    Must-Visit Destinations

    1. Seoul My Soul Shop

    Seoul My Soul Shop ⓒSeoul Tourism Archive
    Seoul My Soul Shop ⓒSeoul Tourism Archive

    Seoul My Soul Shop ⓒSeoul Tourism Archive

    Here you’ll find a variety of Seoul-inspired goods, from magnets featuring landmarks like N Seoul Tower to knot bookmarks made with traditional crafts. With branches at Seoul Tourism Plaza, Sejong Center , Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center , and Dongdaemun Design Plaza , it’s easy to stop by while exploring the city.

    - 1F, 85 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Seoul Tourism Plaza Branch)

    2. Korea Heritage Agency’s Offline Store “Sarang”

     Changdeokgung Palace Store ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    Changdeokgung Palace Store ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    National Palace Museum of Korea Store  ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    National Palace Museum of Korea Store ⓒKorea Heritage Agency

    “Sarang” is an offline store operated by the Korea Heritage Agency, with locations at Gyeongbokgung Palace , Changdeokgung Palace , the National Palace Museum of Korea , Korea House , and Incheon International Airport (T1, T2). It offers modern reinterpretations of traditional Korean culture. Gyeongbokgung Palace is right next to the National Palace Museum of Korea, and Namsangol Hanok Village is just behind Korea House, making it easy to visit them together.

    3. Insadong Cultural Street

     Insadong StreetⓒInsadong Street (Credit: Korea Tourism Organization Photo Gallery, Live Studio)

    Insadong Street (Credit: Korea Tourism Organization Photo Gallery, Live Studio)

     Korean Traditional Souvenirs ⓒSeoul Tourism Archive

    Korean Traditional Souvenirs ⓒSeoul Tourism Archive

    Insadong Cultural Street is home to craft shops, antique dealers, galleries, teahouses, and traditional restaurants. Hangeul signs on many storefronts give the neighborhood a distinctly traditional feel. With Ikseon-dong Hanok Street and Bukchon Hanok Village nearby, it’s easy to enjoy a heritage-themed itinerary.

    • 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330
    • 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid
    • (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian)

    * This column was last updated in september 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.

* Content creation & related inquiries: Shopping & Accommodations Team