Please introduce “GOMASTORY Co., Ltd.”

GOMASTORY was established in July 2022 as a local brand that combines “Goma,” the old name of Gongju, with the word “Story.” The company originally operated as a workshop, creating products that reflected the region’s history and culture. As demand grew for souvenirs representing the stories and identity of Gongju, it was incorporated as a company. Today, GOMASTORY continues to expand its identity as “a brand that tells the stories of Gongju,” producing and distributing Baekje-related local content, including products sold at the Gongju tourism souvenir shop.

What inspired you to create “AGAIN1500 Jinmyosu”?

Gongju is known as the city of King Muryeong and the guardian beast Jinmyosu, which has protected the royal tomb for 1,500 years. We wanted to reinterpret this symbolic figure as an item that conveys the meaning of “protection.” Rather than creating a simple souvenir, we aimed to design a product that allows people to feel its symbolic significance in everyday life. By combining the practical function of an air freshener with the refined aesthetics of Baekje, we sought to deliver a “sustainable local story” through the scent of Baekje.

What was the most challenging part of the production process? We also heard that it was made using eco-friendly materials.

The biggest challenge was finding a way to make local content, something unfamiliar to many, more approachable to the public. That’s why we focused on practicality. We wanted Jinmyosu to be more than a decorative object, something that would naturally blend into people’s spaces through both scent and design. Instead of plastic, we used eco-friendly wood-based CXP material. To embody the Baekje spirit of “geomibullu, hwai bulchi (modest yet dignified, elegant yet unpretentious),” we developed our own Baekje fragrance. The result is a delicate blend that leaves a subtle trace of Baekje’s grace and refinement.

What challenges did you face during the production process?

Turning an idea into a tangible product is never easy. In particular, it took many trials and errors to preserve the distinctive form of Jinmyosu while building a functional air freshener structure. Production costs and packaging were also significant challenges. As a small business, it took a long time to move from prototype to finished product, and the financial burden along the way was considerable. Still, we kept pushing forward, determined to capture and deliver the same sense of inspiration we felt when we first encountered Jinmyosu through the completed piece.

What was the most memorable moment during the contest?

The contest was an opportunity for me to step outside my comfort zone. Until then, I had been working only within the local community, unconsciously setting my own limits without realizing it. Through this experience, I met many talented creators from across the country and gained new confidence as my product was evaluated from an external perspective. During the judging process, when I received genuine appreciation for the harmony between Jinmyosu’s story and its fragrance, I became convinced that I was on the right path.

What are your future plans and goals?

We are currently reviewing a proposal to enter the Insadong market while working on both price renewal and sales channel expansion. Our previous pricing policy was set too low, which sometimes resulted in losses within the distribution structure. With professional consulting, we plan to establish a more appropriate pricing standard. We are also planning a follow-up series that utilizes CXP-based ornaments. Looking ahead, we aim to promote GOMASTORY as a “brand delivering the scent of Baekje” through opportunities such as Insadong, duty-free shops, and international exhibitions. Through Jinmyosu, we will continue striving to share the aesthetics of Baekje and the power of local culture with dignity on the global stage.