Replicas of historical artifacts become unique museum merchandise appealing to young generation

Описание: 문화유산을 일상 속 보물로 국립박물관 "뮷즈"가 젊은층에 인기 끄는 이유

Replicas of traditional museum artifacts are now a merchandising trend.
As our Lee Eun-hee reports, they have become more popular among the younger generation after undergoing a transformation.

Museum merchandise is undergoing a unique transformation.
By having the aesthetic appeal and practicality of certain replicas enhanced, they are captivating the younger generation, creating widespread interest on social media.

A miniature of the Pensive Bodhisattva statue, famous for its smile and a designated National Treasure, is the best-selling item.
As the original replica of the statue was seen as unappealing to people in their 20s and 30s due to its size, the National Museum Foundation of Korea, created the miniature version to make the statue more accessible.
Another National Treasure is the "Baekje Gilt-bronze Incense Burner."
Its replica miniature sold out within a week of its release, amid a growing interest In older styles among the younger generations who are drawn to unique and meaningful items.

"We have captured the details of the original artifacts with advanced 3D printing technology and incorporated a variety of colors. Not only does it serve as a beautiful decoration, but it also functions as an incense burner, just like the original artifact."

The revenue generated from museum merchandise reached almost 15-billion Korean won, or around 11-million U.S. dollars, in 2023.
This is about a twenty-seven percent increase in annual sales in 2022, which had set the highest record at the time.

"The designs are different from what I had thought in the past."
"I wasn't very interested in museum merchandise, but seeing them for the first time, I want to buy a few of them."

"I bought several things which is very very nice. Well designed. This is a cup and this is with a lot of oriental type of design ideas it gives you some kind of very pleasant feeling."

This newly released set of drinking glasses constantly crashes the website due to high demand.

As the number of purchases by tourists is also increasing, the foundation is focusing on creating practical and lightweight items that visitors can easily take back as souvenirs, commemorating their visit to the National Museum.

"There is also a special hall that displays different kinds of museum merch. Here, people can try out the items and get a feel for how they might look when displayed in their own homes."

Historical artifacts are going beyond their traditional significance and becoming personal treasures that are used and seen in people's everyday lives.

Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

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2024-02-05, 18:00 (KST)