Seoul's "Haechi" gets a makeover

History of Seoul's mascot (Seoul Metropolitan Government)

Seoul Metropolitan Government recently unveiled the new design for its mascot Haechi, the character's first design change since its designation as the capital city’s official symbol in 2009.

The new design of Haechi, whose design is based on the mythical haetae from Korean folklore, has a pink body with blue-green stripes. Seoul City Hall said it took the colors from Korea’s traditional colorwork for wooden buildings, known as “dancheong,” The colors replace the previous “ginkgo yellow.”

While keeping its major features -- wings, scales on its body, big nose and fangs -- the new Haechi has a larger and longer torso that smoothly lines up with its head.

The city also came up with friends for Haechi -- “Cheongryong,” “Baekho,” “Jujak” and “Hyunmu,” based on the four guardian animals of each direction in Korean folklore.

The renewal of its symbolic character targets Millennials and Gen Z, as they are major consumers in the character market, and the city tried to reflect recent trends in the characters, a city official told local media.

By Lim Jae-seong(forestjs@heraldcorp.com)