(C) Seoul Metropolitan Government

SEOUL – As the year winds down and the winter chill settles over the capital, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is spreading warmth and cheer through a special digital gift. On December 18, 2024, the city announced the release of a limited-edition set of 16 KakaoTalk emoticons featuring its beloved mascots, Hechi and the Soul Friends.

This festive collection is designed to help citizens express seasonal sentiments. It includes a variety of messages perfect for the holidays, such as "Merry Christmas," "Happy New Year," and "You worked hard this year." Other stickers cater to daily winter life with relatable phrases like "It’s so cold!" and "Have a warm day."

 
How to Get the Exclusive Set

The emoticons will be available starting today, December 18, at 2:00 PM KST. They are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 50,000 users who add the "Seoul City" KakaoTalk channel as a friend.

Step 1: Open the KakaoTalk app and tap the magnifying glass (search icon).
Step 2: Search for "Seoul City" (서울시).
Step 3: Click the "Add Channel" button.
Validity: Once downloaded, the emoticons can be used for 30 days.
 
Meet the Icons: Hechi and the Soul Friends

These characters are more than just cute icons; they are a modern reinterpretation of Seoul’s 600-year history. Hechi, the legendary guardian of the city known for distinguishing right from wrong, underwent a major makeover earlier this year. Swapping its traditional yellow hue for a vibrant "Dancheong Pink," the new Hechi is designed to be more approachable and globally appealing.

Accompanying Hechi are the Soul Friends, inspired by the Four Guardian Gods of ancient Korean mythology:

Joo (Red Bird): The deity of fire and summer, representing passion.
Young (Blue Dragon): The deity of wood and spring, symbolizing youth.
Hou (White Tiger): The deity of metal and autumn, representing courage.
Moo (Black Tortoise): The deity of water and winter, offering comfort and wisdom.

Enhancing Seoul's Brand Identity

The release is part of the city’s broader branding strategy under the slogan "Seoul, My Soul." By integrating traditional symbols into modern digital communication, the Seoul Metropolitan Government aims to foster a sense of community and pride among its residents.

"We hope these emoticons bring a small smile to our citizens during the busy year-end season," a city official stated. "It’s a way to keep our traditions alive in our daily digital conversations."

With only 50,000 slots available, the city expects the limited edition to be claimed quickly, following the high popularity of previous character merchandise and pop-up events held at landmarks like the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).