Until the 1990s, the Korean domestic character market was mostly dominated by American and Japanese characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Tom and Jerry, Dragon Ball and so on. The only popular Korean character among the international ones at that time was Dooly from "Dooly the Little Dinosaur". However, with the spread of the internet, various characters such as Mashimaro, Zolaman, and Pucca became popular, marking the beginning of a significant growth period for the domestic character industry.

In 2003, webtoon services started, and in 2005, Pororo, appeared, leading to a remarkable growth of interest in the domestic characters. Characters like Tayo, Larva, Robocar Poli, and Turning Mecard followed after that. Later, as smartphone culture took hold, mobile characters like Line Friends (2011) and Kakao Friends (2012) emerged as new stars and became the most popular Korean characters as of now.

These days, with Korean pop culture, like K-pop and K-daramas, growing more and more globally, Korean domestic characters started to gain an increasing popularity abroad as well. Most probably, you already know Kakao Friends and Line Friends, in particular their collaboration with BTS, BT21 characters, but there are so much more Korean characters than that. Below I will introduce a few most loved Korean characters, that deserve your love too!

 

Kakao Friends

© Kakao Corp.

Kakao Friends, led by Ryan, debuted in 2012 as emojis for the most used mobile messenger in Korea, KakaoTalk. Since then, it has gained massive popularity, being made into various character products such as phone cases, chocolates, shoes, accessories, tumblers, dolls, earphones, and portable speakers. In a character preference survey conducted by the Korea Creative Content Agency, Kakao Friends surpass all other Korean characters, holding the first place in the hearts of Korean people.

Ryan, the leader of Kakao Friends, looks like a bear at first glance, but is actually a male lion without a mane. He is known to have an expressionless face but is sensitive and delicate on the inside. His lack of a mane is his complex. Ryan has a stray cat called Choonshik.

 

Apart from Ryan, there are also a group of friends he leads. Muzi looks like a rabbit, but is actually a radish in a rabbit costume. Con is a small alligator who raised Muzi. Apeach is a genetically modified peach. Jay-G is a mole who was sent to find a rabbit's liver as an agent from the underground country and, thus, who chases Muzi for his/her rabbit liver. Frodo is a mix-blooded dog from a rich family with an insecurity about his mix-breed status. Neo is a sophisticated, a little snobbish cat with a cute bob, who is also Frodo’s girlfriend. Tube is a timid duck, who is insecure about his small feet, so he wears flippers. Each of these characters is considered somewhat imperfect or flawed, which makes them more relatable and endearing to people.

          

Kakao Friends Ryan Plush Doll                                        WI Kakao Friends Toy Camera                                             Choonshik Daily Grip Tumbler

 

BT21

© LINE Friends

BT21 is a line of characters under Line Friends series, for which the popular K-pop group BTS designed each character personally. BT21 created by BTS include seven characters that represent each of the seven BTS members and one character representing BTS fans, A.R.M.Y.

Koya (created by RM) is a baby blue koala, who is clam and intelligent and, although always napping, actually cares deeply for his friends.

RJ (created by Jin) is a warm-hearted fluffy alpaca from Machu Picchu who loves cooking and always brings comfort and kindness to his friends.

Shooky (created by Suga) is a mischievous, playful cookie who loves to prank, but is afraid of milk.

Mang (created by J-Hope) is a shy purple chipmunk, who keeps his face concealed under a horse mask, known for expressing emotions through dance and movement.

Chimmy (created by Jimin) is an energetic and cheerful puppy who always wears a yellow hoodie and loves to spread happiness and positivity.

Tata (created by V) is a curious and adventurous alien prince form Palnet BT with a heart-shaped head and an elastic body, who dreams of bringing joy and peace to the universe.

Cooky (created by Jungkook) is a pink but tough and confident bunny with a cheeky attitude, known for his playful spirit and love for boxing.

Van (created by RM) is Tata’s AI robot, who is a protector of BT21 and who represents BTS’s fandom, A.R.M.Y.

          

BT21 New Basic Cooky Sweet Dream Sleep Socks                        BT21 Chimmy Mini Basic Check Pouch                             BT21 New Basic Sweet Dream Home Slippers   

 

Pororo

© Iconix Entertainment

Pororo is a popular and beloved Korean animated character, often referred to as Pororo the Little Penguin. Pororo first appeared in 2003 and quickly became a cultural icon, especially among young children in Korea and around the world. The show Pororo the Little Penguin has since become one of the most successful animated series in South Korea.

Pororo is a small, adventurous penguin who loves to explore and learn. He is often seen wearing a pilot’s hat and goggles. Pororo is brave, optimistic, and always eager to try new things, even when they seem difficult or risky. Pororo has a variety of lovable animal friends, including: Crong (a baby dinosaur), Eddy (a clever and often mischievous fox), Loopy (a sweet and creative beaver), Petty (a caring and helpful penguin), Poby (a gentle and somewhat shy bear), Harry (a blue bird who loves to sing).

Pororo’s popularity is immense, not only in South Korea but internationally as well. The show has been dubbed into many languages, and Pororo has become a beloved figure in countries around the world.

          

          Pororo Plush Doll                                                           Pororo Bag Sticker Pack                                                      Pororo 16-Color Sign Pen

 

Kongsuni

© Samg Animation

Kongsuni is a popular South Korean children's character who is the protagonist of the animated series "Kongsuni and Friends". The show is widely loved by young children and focuses on themes of friendship, creativity, and problem-solving.

Kongsuni is a kind-hearted, energetic young girl with a playful and curious personality. She is characterized by her vivid imagination, adventurous spirit, and love for helping others. As the main character, Kongsuni often embarks on various fun and educational adventures with her friends, which teach valuable life lessons to young viewers. In addition to the animated series, Kongsuni is also featured in various merchandise, including toys, books, and educational materials. The character has a strong presence in the Korean children’s entertainment market, and her popularity continues to grow.

           

                        Kongsunie Doll                                             Kongsunie Bath Time Bubble Bath Slime                        Kongsunie Bath Time Bubble Cleanser Jelly + Sticker

 

Pinkfong

© SmartStudy

Pinkfong is a widely popular Korean children's character created by a South Korean educational entertainment company SmartStudy. Pinkfong is best known as the character behind the viral "Baby Shark" song, but the character has appeared in numerous other songs, videos, and educational content for children.

Pinkfong is a bright, energetic, and lovable pink fox with a playful and friendly personality. The character’s design is simple, colorful, and approachable, making it appealing to young children. Pinkfong’s main role is to teach children through music, fun stories, and engaging content, often accompanied by educational themes such as numbers, colors, animals, and other basic learning topics.

Due to Pinkfong's massive success, there is a wide range of merchandise available, including plush toys, books, school supplies, and even clothing. Pinkfong also has an official YouTube channel and a mobile app, which feature songs, games, and interactive content for children. The Pinkfong brand has grown into a global presence, and the character continues to be a dominant force in children’s media worldwide.

          

    Pinkfong Baby Shark Cushion Tube                                    Pinkfong Baby Shark Official Gel Pen Set                            Pinkfong Shark Family Melody Pad Baby Shark

 

Dooly

© Dooley Studio

Dooly is a beloved Korean character and the main protagonist of the animated series "Dooly the Little Dinosaur", which has become a classic in South Korean children's television. Created by Korean cartoonist Kim Soo-jung, Dooly the Little Dinosaur first premiered in 1983 and quickly became one of the most iconic animated characters in Korean pop culture. His show has been loved by multiple generations of children. His popularity surged when Dooly the Little Dinosaur became a staple of Korean television, and he remains an important figure in the history of Korean animation. Over the years, Dooly has been featured in various TV shows, movies, merchandise, and even comic books. The series has evolved and spawned sequels and spin-offs, keeping the character relevant and beloved to this day.

          

                                   Dooly Giant Plush Doll                                                     Gongshili Giant Plush Doll                                                          Dooly Pencil Set                                      

 

Pucca

© Vooz Character System

Pucca is a popular Korean animated character created by Vooz character design company in 2000. Pucca is a spirited, energetic young girl known for her loveable yet mischievous personality. The character quickly gained international recognition, becoming iconic in both the animation world and pop culture. The character has also been adapted into a TV series (Pucca: Love, Dance, and Fight), video games, and even online animations, further cementing Pucca's presence in pop culture. 

Pucca is a young girl with a round face, characterized by her signature red dress, pigtails, and cheerful smile. She lives in the fictional village of Sooga, where she is part of the Sooga Village community. Pucca is known for her love for Garu, a stoic, often grumpy boy who is also a skilled ninja.

Pucca became an international phenomenon due to her cute design, unconventional love story, and funny, action-packed adventures. The character’s visual style, which combines cartoonish simplicity with quirky action, resonated with a global audience. Pucca’s popularity skyrocketed, especially in the early 2000s, and the character has appeared in a range of merchandise, including toys, clothing, and accessories.

          

 Pucca Plush Doll 27cm                                                         Pucca Notebook                                                                 Pucca Garu Pen