Haechi Chosen as Symbol of Seoul

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Seoul has selected the imaginary creature ``Haechi'' as the symbolic icon of the city. Haechi, generally known as Haetae, is a lion-like horned creature that often appears in myths as a guardian against fire and disasters.

As corporate identify (CI) is used to upgrade corporate image, the city wants the new symbol to become the city's new icon and contribute to boosting the capital's international image.

``Despite the scale and reputation of Seoul, we don't have any representative symbol. We've selected Haechi as the symbol and we hope it will promote the city internationally,'' said Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

He wants Haechi to become like the Big Apple of New York, Merloin in Singarpore and Buddy Bear of Berlin, the mayor said. Seoul will be promoted as ``City of Haechi.''

The city made the selection after six months of preparation, including various surveys and public hearings. Most respondents picked Gyeongbok Palace as a representative icon of the city but the city chose the palace's guardian Haechi for its practical variations along with its historical characteristics.

``We had other options but we concluded Haechi can be best used in various forms,'' said Kwon Young-gull, deputy mayor and chief design officer of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. ``It can appear on T-shirts, various advertisement of Seoul, coins and accessories with various images.''

Haechi will replace the city's old symbol of WangBomi, a tiger character, which has not been well known due to the lack of promotion as well as its symbolic meanings.

To actively use the new symbol, the city government will set up statues of Haechi in the Gwanghwamun Plaza, which is scheduled to open next year. Other forms of Haechi will also be installed in various spots in the city.

The city will also hold a variety of promotional events such as a street parade and festival and offer tourism packages named after Haechi.

e3dward@koreatimes.co.kr

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