When a Korean friend moves into a new home or opens a shop, you don't just say "congratulations." You give them an aekmagi—a small, often adorable figurine designed to catch bad luck before it reaches them.

Aekmagi is rooted in Korean folk wisdom. The word itself means "to block misfortune" (aekun). These charming guardians are placed near doorways or windows—the places where negative energy might slip in—standing watch over homes and businesses. It's not superstition; it's a ritual of care. When you gift an aekmagi, you're saying: I hope only good things find you here.

Today, aekmagi come in countless forms—cute characters, traditional figures, modern designs—each one a small protector with a story. They sit in Korean homes everywhere, from apartments to restaurants, a quiet reminder that someone wished good fortune upon them.

Own a piece of this tradition. Let it be your small wish for protection, prosperity, and good days ahead.