Songpa-gu launches 'Haha·Hoho' tourism souvenirs — 16 products across 7 categories

Songpa-gu in Seoul will unveil 16 tourism souvenirs across seven product categories on Friday, all featuring the district's city brand and character "Haha·Hoho."

The new lineup was designed with affordability and practicality in mind, reflecting the current high-cost environment. It comprises 11 items across five new product categories for everyday use at home, at work and while traveling, along with five redesigned items across two existing popular categories.

The five newly launched product categories are face-wash headbands, mouse pads, gel-ink ballpoint pens, name tags and string bags — chosen for their high utility in daily life, from home essentials to office accessories and portable everyday items.

The string bag is a standout piece, featuring a line-art skyline that brings together Songpa's landmark "The Sphere," Lotte World Tower and the Gate of Peace. It can be used as either a bag or a pouch, making it a convenient companion for travel or outings.

Two existing bestsellers — the Haha·Hoho doll keyring and the grip tok — have also been refreshed. The doll keyring, which topped both sales volume and revenue among all tourism souvenirs last year, received updated character expressions and an embroidered strap design. The grip tok, which has sold consistently since its 2023 launch, gained a magnetic detachable mechanism and a built-in mirror for added convenience.

Songpa-gu's tourism souvenir sales have grown sharply since the district introduced its new city brand identity and the Haha·Hoho character in 2023. Last year, a total of 5,297 items were sold, generating about 46 million won ($34,600) in revenue — 2.2 times the sales volume and 3.3 times the revenue recorded in 2022, before the brand was introduced.

Since 2023, the district has developed 19 new souvenir items, including magnets, hand towels, parasols and keyrings. It currently offers about 23 items, and this year expanded the range by strengthening its existing popular products while adding practical everyday items to give shoppers more choices.

"I hope these souvenirs, which capture the charm of Songpa, will go beyond preserving travel memories and prove useful in everyday life," Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said. "We will continue to develop souvenirs that combine practicality with the district's unique character to enhance Songpa's city brand."

The new souvenirs are available at the Songpa Tourism Information Center on the east side of Seokchon Lake, with prices ranging from 2,500 won to 12,000 won per item. The center operates Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.