Sales of Korean Heritage Goods Hit Record High as Foreign Visitors Drive Strong Demand

Sales of traditional Korean cultural merchandise reached a record high last year, fueled by growing interest from foreign visitors amid the global popularity of Korean culture.

According to the Korea Heritage Service Foundation, annual online and offline sales of its cultural product brand “K-Heritage” exceeded 161 billion won on a preliminary basis in 2025, marking the highest figure ever recorded for the brand. This represented a sharp increase compared with the previous year and extended the streak of annual sales surpassing 100 billion won for three consecutive years.

The foundation develops and sells cultural products inspired by Korea’s national heritage, including traditional patterns, paintings, and historical motifs. These items are sold at major royal palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung, as well as at the National Palace Museum of Korea and Incheon International Airport.

Sales growth was particularly strong last year following a comprehensive renovation of the cultural goods store at Deoksugung Palace. Officials attributed much of the surge to the global success of a Netflix animated series that helped boost interest in Korean traditional aesthetics. Products inspired by characters and imagery associated with the show, including tiger-themed ceramic figurines and items modeled after traditional headwear, were among the top sellers.

A foundation official said long-term efforts to introduce Korean traditional culture through well-planned merchandise created strong synergy with the popularity of Korean content overseas, describing the series’ success as a key catalyst.

Additional factors contributing to higher sales included participation in international events such as the Osaka–Kansai Expo in Japan and the operation of commemorative pop-up stores linked to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events.

Looking ahead, the foundation plans to renovate its merchandise store at the National Palace Museum of Korea and to develop new products showcasing Korea’s World Heritage sites in line with an upcoming UNESCO World Heritage Committee session to be held in Busan.

As interest in Korean traditional culture continues to grow both domestically and internationally, the Korea Heritage Service is also moving forward with plans to establish a flagship retail space near Gyeongbokgung Palace to exhibit and sell a wide range of heritage-inspired cultural products.