Daejeon unveils giant Kkumdori and Kkumsuni inflatable sculptures

Giant inflatable sculptures of Daejeon's signature mascots, Kkumdori and Kkumsuni, will go on display in sequence at Gapcheon Eco Lake Park and Hanbat Arboretum.

Standing about 13 meters tall, the sculptures will be exhibited from August through November, coinciding with major festivals and international events, as part of the city's efforts to boost character-driven urban marketing and nighttime tourism.

The sculptures will first be installed at Gapcheon Eco Lake Park, where they will remain through Oct. 14, serving as a nighttime photo destination that complements the park's newly developed waterfront landscape and welcoming both residents and tourists.

From Oct. 17 to Nov. 20, the display moves to the lawn plaza at Hanbat Arboretum, where it will be tied to events drawing domestic and international visitors — including the Daejeon Bread Festival, the Daejeon International Wine EXPO and the World Solar Congress — to showcase the city's mascot characters and nighttime tourism appeal.

During the Bread Festival, running Sept. 16 to Sept. 18, the nearby Expo Bridge will also host the "2026 Delight Expo Bridge" event. To encourage visitors to linger into the evening along the Gapcheon River and Expo Bridge, the program will feature a relaxation lounge, a Kkumdori-themed photo zone, moon boat rides, a nighttime drone show and a silent music listening program. Merchandise sales and other side events will also be held.

Daejeon plans to link the Kkumdori and Kkumsuni display at Hanbat Arboretum with the Expo Bridge nighttime tourism offerings into a single tourism corridor — creating a visitor flow of daytime bread festival activities followed by nighttime sightseeing — and to extend the average length of visitors' stays.

"The giant Kkumdori and Kkumsuni inflatable sculptures are a new nighttime tourism landmark that combines the beloved Kkumssi Family characters with Daejeon's night scenery," Daejeon Mayor Heo Tae-jeong said. "We will organically connect the October Bread Festival with the Expo Bridge nighttime tourism program so that the daytime festival flows seamlessly into an evening of sightseeing, creating a stay-and-explore tourism environment."