What story does the brand “ODUJEJ” carry?

The name ODUJEJ is “JEJUDO” spelled backward, and it aims to be a “small museum of Jeju.” Founded in 2020, the brand seeks to convey the meaning of Jeju not as a tourist destination to be consumed, but as a living home filled with people’s lives. Its philosophy is, “Let’s remember the beauty of Jeju’s everyday life through objects.”

How did the idea for the Mudle Crayon begin?

Instead of familiar symbols like tangerines or dolhareubang, we focused on “mudle,” the piles of stones scattered across Jeju’s land. Though they may seem useless at first glance, these stone mounds actually symbolize the island’s environment and the perseverance of its people. We wanted to transform these humble stones into a plaything for children and a sentimental object for adults.

What was the most challenging part of the development process?

It was difficult to find information about crayon materials and manufacturing methods. I started out completely self-taught and went through countless trials and errors. But through that process, I became the person who understands “Mudle Crayon” best. By finely adjusting the density of the materials, the concentration of pigments, and even the pressure of the hand, I was able to enhance the overall quality.

What did you focus on most in the development process?

We focused on achieving harmony between cultural symbolism and aesthetic form. I wanted the product to be more than just visually appealing, but also to help people understand why it takes this particular form. That’s why I preserved the uneven texture of the mudle and the natural surface of the stone, while carefully designing it to feel stable and comfortable in the hand.

What's the most meaningful part of creating

Many people say that when they see this product, they recall childhood memories of drawing on the ground with stones. That gives me the greatest joy. At first, I wanted to promote Jeju’s stone culture, but people were drawn more to the emotional memories the product evokes than to its cultural background. In the end, “Mudle Crayon” has become a warm connection that links different generations and memories through the stones of Jeju.

What vision does ODUJEJ have for the future?

Starting with “Mudle Crayon,” we aim to expand Jeju’s stone culture into various objects. We are preparing a new series inspired by Jeju’s natural elements, such as gotjawal forests, stone walls, and wind. Until the day a “Mudle” sculpture stands at Jeju Airport instead of palm trees, we will continue to grow as a brand that shares the stories of Jeju.