Tiny ceramic turtles become good luck charms for South Korea's Gen Z amid economic woes

In South Korea's challenging economic climate, a miniature ceramic turtle, no bigger than a fingernail, has emerged as a symbol of good fortune. These tiny, handmade good luck charms are rapidly gaining popularity, particularly among the younger generation, often seen adorning idols and spreading through social media.

The "lucky turtle" is a small ceramic figurine, with each color carrying a distinct meaning, serving as a personal talisman for longevity and luck. Artist Hwang Se-rin, 26, crafts these unique pieces in her studio, "Animini," which boasts over 35,000 Instagram followers. The appeal lies in their intricate, handmade nature and the personalized symbolism.

Celebrities have embraced the trend, with K-pop stars like Nayeon of TWICE seen decorating her phone case with blue (success), pink (love), and yellow (wealth) turtles. ZeroBaseOne's Sung Hanbin even shared custom-made turtles gifted by his manager, featuring motifs like capybaras and clovers.

This phenomenon has caught the attention of international media, with Business Insider noting it as a way "Koreans are overcoming workplace depression" and a manifestation of Gen Z's "smaller and smaller" pursuit of affordable luxuries. The trend aligns with a broader global interest in small collectibles as a source of joy amidst economic pressures, with the global toy market projected to grow significantly.

Hwang Se-rin began creating these turtles for her university graduation exhibition, finding unexpected success at a flea market. Each turtle requires at least three days to create, involving meticulous hand-sculpting, painting, and firing at 1250 degrees Celsius. She also offers custom designs, incorporating elements like police uniforms, nurse outfits, or even exam papers for good luck.

"What gets us through stressful daily lives is something small that offers comfort or encouragement," Hwang said. "I hope these lucky turtles bring a small but solid piece of luck to many people's lives."

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What gets us through stressful daily lives is something small that offers comfort or encouragement. I hope these lucky turtles bring a small but solid piece of luck to many people's lives.