Please introduce “LiME KOREA.”

LiME KOREA is a cultural product company that began in 2014 with “Cultural Assets Ballpoint Pen Gyeongju” and has since designed and produced a wide range of goods inspired by Korea’s cultural heritage. Guided by the philosophy of creating “fun and practical cultural products,” the company plans new items each year based on fresh themes and materials. Rather than simple souvenirs, LiME KOREA aims to create products that allow people to experience and connect with the stories of Korea’s cultural heritage in everyday life.

What inspired you to create “Joseon GAT zan”?

Each year, we release a new series inspired by Korea’s cultural heritage. While last year’s theme focused on “Kings of Joseon,” this year’s theme centers on “Scholars.” During one of many idea meetings, we happened to flip over a tea strainer cup and noticed that its shape resembled a gat, the traditional hat worn by Joseon scholars. That moment sparked the idea to recreate the dignity of the gat worn by Confucian scholars as a modern teacup. The gat is more than an article of clothing; it symbolizes ye (禮), the virtue of self-discipline and respect for others. We wanted to bring that spirit into everyday life.

What made you choose the gat as your theme?

The gat is more than just a hat. It represents an attitude of self-discipline and respect toward others. We believe that this fragile object has endured through the centuries because of the spirit it embodies. We wanted to capture that “philosophy of the gat” in our teacup. When one reflects while drinking tea and recalls the importance of courtesy, the GAT zan becomes more than a vessel. It becomes a cultural experience.

What did you focus on most when creating the product?

The main focus was on color and proportion. To capture the authentic texture of the gat, we had to achieve a subtle matte black that was neither too dark nor too light. After dozens of sample tests, we finally arrived at a tone that feels both deep and refined. In the original gat, the brim is much wider, but we redesigned the proportions of the cup and saucer to balance usability and aesthetics. As a result, we created a design that preserves the traditional form while feeling modern and sophisticated.

What was the most challenging part of the production process?

The biggest challenge was reducing the volume while preserving the original form of the gat. At first, we planned to package it in the same large shape as the actual gat, but the lack of space efficiency required multiple structural adjustments. The goal was not simply to make it smaller, but to maintain the gat’s distinctive silhouette while improving practicality. In the end, we achieved the ideal balance that preserves traditional symbolism and ensures modern usability.

What are your future plans?

We are currently developing new display accessories that incorporate gat strings, inspired by feedback from customers who said they would love to see real strings attached. Miniature and color variations are also in progress. Another task ahead is reducing the package size so that overseas visitors can easily purchase and carry it. Through GAT zan, we hope to continue sharing the spirit and aesthetics of Joseon scholars with people around the world.