Q Please tell us about MIMIDESIGN.

MIMIDESIGN, a design company, proposes products by adding practicality to traditional Korean patterns that are forgotten. While traveling in Japan, I vowed to create products that incorporate Korean traditions. In Japan, traditional designs are being used in various fields, from daily necessities to stationery and sundries. On the other hand, most traditional Korean designs are limitedly used in souvenirs and ornaments targeting foreign tourists and expensive handicrafts displayed in museums. I thought it would raise the younger generation’s interest by creating practicable goods portraying refined traditional patterns.

Q What made you develop Dancheong umbrellas?

As I watched the rain falling off the end of my umbrella, I remembered my childhood. When I went on a Gyeongbokgung Palace tour with my family, I escaped under the eaves of Gyeongbokgung Palace from the sudden rain. The memories of that time were romantic. Dancheong was engraved on the lower side of the umbrella to offer an experience that feels like watching the eaves of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The green and purple colors used in Dancheong harmonize with the trees outside the eaves. Our ancestors’ philosophy connecting the border between nature and hanok (traditional Korean house) is contained. With the Dancheong umbrella, you can feel Korea’s beauty and the wisdom of our ancestors preserved in Dancheong.

Q What made you participate in 2020 LOCAL BRAND DESIGN AWARD FOR KOREA TOURISM?

I thought it was an opportunity to inform many people of our values and the Korean tradition’s beauty. Through the three screenings, I received feedback from various people, including distributors, marketers, the general public, college students, and foreigners, which helped me improve the product.

Q What is the most memorable piece of advice from the judges?

I remember the advice that I need to plan a value-added product. MIMIDESIGN’s existing products were practicable consumer goods. On the other hand, the Dancheong umbrella is a product that pursues value. Hence, it would be good to add depth to its design. I supplemented its details according to the advice. The Dancheong pattern is engraved on the strap, and the umbrella cover is designed to remind a Dancheong column.

Q How is the Dancheong umbrella distributed?

It was launched through the crowdfunding platform Wadiz. After that, we plan to showcase it in various offline stores through the Seoul Design Festival and duty-free shops. For B2B and B2G channels, we will distribute it as a customized product. Starting with the Dancheong umbrella, we will introduce the Dancheong-brand series of products. I want to contribute to the popularization of tradition so that our brand becomes the first one that comes to mind as a traditional Korean product.