Gyeongju Cookies, which capture beautiful cultural heritage in Gyeongju such as Seokguram Grotto and Cheomseongdae, won the grand prize at the Gyeongsangbuk-do tourism souvenir contest.
Gyeongbuk Province said on the 11th that it held the Tourism Souvenir Contest and selected 22 winners. The province formed a judging panel of six experts from various fields and selected a total of 22 award-winning works: one grand prize, one gold prize, two silver prizes, three bronze prizes, five encouragement awards, and 10 honorable mentions. Results from a preference vote conducted among tourists who visited Gyeongbuk were also reflected in the judging.
The grand prize went to Gyeongju resident Kang Min-cheol's Gyeongju Cookies. By incorporating the characteristics of cultural heritage representing Gyeongju, such as Cheomseongdae and Seokguram Grotto, into the cookies, it carries visual fun and symbolism. It was evaluated as a souvenir that goes beyond a simple snack to preserve memories of a trip to Gyeongju. Using high-quality butter and a handmade production method, it broadened consumer choices with various flavors, including coffee, cocoa, black tea, and green tea.
The gold prize went to the Silla Gold Crown Eunjangdo Safety Cutter by Gyeonggi Province resident Shim Eun-ha (Eunbitgil), which modernly reinterprets the eunjangdo inspired by the royal culture and metal crafts of Silla. The silver prizes went to Daegu resident Kang Seon-jeong's Mackerel Below the Roof Tiles Wind and Incheon resident Lee Jun-cheon (Dream Heaven and Dream Sky)'s Stick, Paint, and Decorate Gyeongbuk Drawing Goods Kit.
Gyeongbuk Province plans to submit the winning works to the Korea Tourism Souvenir Expo and the World National Heritage Industry Exhibition to support promotion and sales channels.
Park Chan-woo, director of the Culture, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Gyeongsangbuk-do, said, "Tourism souvenirs are a medium that helps people remember Gyeongbuk's stories in everyday life for a long time," and added, "We will work to support promotion and sales channels so that the excellent souvenirs unearthed in this contest can lead to real products and tourism consumption."