Seoulites Take Trip 'Round World via Teddy Bears

Koreans are getting a rare opportunity to take a trip around the world through teddy bears.
One of the largest teddy bear exhibitions in the world is in Seoul, offering a wide range of activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
Chang Yeojeong has more.

Get your passport and ticket ready 'cause Teddy Flight 19-02 is off for a round-the-world tour.
After going through the usual immigration procedures, stamps and X-rays, visitors are whisked away to learn about the cultures of some 30 countries.
And your hosts

RECORDED: "All of the teddy bears have been personally designed by designers and are hand-made. Another thing to keep in mind while viewing the exhibits is the faces of the teddy bears. Each face has been made to look slightly different from others".

Some of the dolls are seated amid recreations of global landmarks such as America's Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty with a comical twist.
This eight-meter-long teddy bear has been tied down with strings and wires just like in Jonathan Swift's classic "Gulliver's Travels".

CHANG YEOJEONG, REPORTER: "The highlight of the exhibition is the Korean Wave Pavilion.
There are teddy bears dressed as characters which appeared in various Korean hit dramas both at home and abroad".

Miniature teddy bears and props recreate scenes from Korean TV dramas such as "Jewel in the Palace" ("Dae Jang Geum") and "Winter Sonata".
Both dramas lured in viewers across Asia, riding high on hallyu or the Korean Wave.
Meanwhile, hundreds of teddy bears joined a parade in an ancient Korean palace.

VISITOR: "I liked everything. I liked that the teddy bears are So Cute. I especially like that they have different traditional clothes".

VISITOR: "It's very interesting to see how teddy bears were used to portray the unique characteristics of each country".

The show was more than just fun and fur.
Organizers raised money for UNICEF by selling teddies in outfits designed by famous Korean designers.
Through February 21st, these 1,000 lovable, huggable creatures will bring smiles to children of all ages.

Chang Yeojeong, Arirang News.

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