The Olympic mascot for the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea was Hodori. The name Hodori is derived from the Korean words "ho," which means tiger, and "dori," which means boys. Hodori was chosen as the mascot to represent the friendly and hospitable nature of the Korean people. Hodori was depicted as a smiling tiger cub wearing a Korean hanbok, a traditional Korean costume. The mascot's design was intended to reflect the vibrant culture and heritage of Korea. Hodori's orange and white fur represented the colors of the Korean flag.

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Hodori

The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot.

The name Hodori is derived from Ho meaning tiger and Dori a word used for boys in Korean. The tiger is a familiar figure in Korean myths and legends and symbolises the vigourous and marching spirit of the Korean people. Hodori was designed to be a friendly mascot representing Korea. He wears a traditional Sangmo hat of a Korean farmband player. The hat's spiralling streamer also forms an 'S' denoting Seoul the host city.

Hodori's orange and white fur represented the colors of the Korean flag. The choice of a tiger as the mascot was also symbolic. The tiger is considered a national symbol of Korea and is seen as a protective animal with strength and courage.

Object details

This object consists of 2 parts.

A plush Amir tiger in orange and white with black stripes and black plastic eyes. He has an Olympic rings medal around his neck. He wears a round black plastic hat with a clear plastic ribbon in the shape of an 'S'. He has magnets on his feet which attach to a base of a miniature Olympic stadium. Original merchandising tag attached.

The first Olympic mascot 'Waldi' a Daschund dog appeared at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Mascots are used to communicate the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially youth and children. They are usually a character or animal native to the country where the games are being held and showcase the history and culture unique to the host city. In more recent years it has been common to have more than one mascot. This could be to ensure gender equity but has undoubtedly increased the merchandising potential of the Olympic mascot.

The name Hodori is derived from Ho meaning tiger and Dori a word used for boys in Korean. The tiger is a familiar figure in Korean myths and legends and symbolises the vigourous and marching spirit of the Korean people. Hodori was designed to be a friendly mascot representing Korea. He wears a traditional Sangmo hat of a Korean farmband player. The hat's spiralling streamer also forms an 'S' denoting Seoul the host city.

By choosing a tiger as the mascot, the organizers aimed to showcase the bold and determined spirit of the Olympic Games. Hodori made numerous appearances during the Olympic Games, both as a direct physical representation and as a symbol on merchandise and promotional materials. The mascot's friendly and approachable nature endeared Hodori to the spectators and athletes alike. The presence of Hodori as the Olympic mascot helped to create a sense of unity and excitement among the participants and the spectators. The mascot played a vital role in promoting the Olympic Games and the host country's culture. To this day, the image of Hodori remains closely associated with the 1988 Seoul Olympics and serves as a reminder of the successful and memorable event that brought the world together to celebrate sport and culture..

Reviews for "The Impact of Hodori on the Tourism Industry in South Korea"

1. Sarah - 1 star

The Olympic mascot from 1988 was a complete disappointment. I found it to be unoriginal and uninspiring. The design lacked creativity and did not capture the spirit of the Olympics at all. The mascot was just a simple bear wearing a hat and scarf, which did not convey any sense of excitement or athleticism. Overall, I was highly unimpressed with the choice of mascot for the 1988 Olympics.

2. John - 2 stars

I was not a fan of the Olympic mascot from 1988. The design seemed outdated and lacked the vibrancy that is usually associated with the Olympics. The bear theme was overdone and unoriginal. Additionally, the mascot did not have a strong connection to the host country or city, which was disappointing. Overall, I felt that the 1988 Olympic mascot was a missed opportunity to create something truly memorable and representative of the event.

3. Emily - 1 star

The 1988 Olympic mascot was a complete letdown. It lacked any sort of charm or appeal. The design seemed rushed and half-hearted. The dull colors and unimaginative concept make it easily forgettable. Overall, I was highly disappointed with the choice of mascot for the 1988 Olympics. It was a missed opportunity to showcase the creativity and excitement that should accompany such a prestigious event.

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