The Gat Umbrella was created by design studio TOSO for the National Museum Foundation of Korea's MU merchandise brand. Selected through the 2026 MU merchandise competition, the design reinterprets the traditional Korean gat with a raised central canopy and wide circular profile that mirrors the historic hat's silhouette. The umbrella measures 840 millimeters in length, opens to 1,050 millimeters wide, and is constructed with a PVC canopy, a fiberglass-reinforced frame, a polypropylene tip, and an EVA handle.
The traditional gat was worn by men during the Joseon dynasty and was typically crafted from split bamboo and horsehair with a translucent weave and broad brim. The umbrella is priced at 43,000 won (approximately US$31) and is limited to three purchases per customer. Its initial release has sold out, with additional stock expected near the end of August.
Heritage Rain Umbrellas
The Gat Umbrella Reimagines Korea's Traditional Gat
Trend Themes
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Heritage-inspired Utility — Everyday products that reinterpret cultural artifacts can create premium appeal by blending practical function with museum-grade storytelling.
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Museum Merchandise Drops — Limited-release cultural goods are turning institutional retail into collectible commerce, strengthening demand through scarcity and provenance.
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Symbolic Rainwear Design — Rain accessories with distinctive silhouettes offer differentiation in a crowded category by transforming protection into visible identity expression.
Industry Implications
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Cultural Retail — Museums and heritage organizations can extend their influence through design-led merchandise that translates historical references into contemporary consumer objects.
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Fashion Accessories — Umbrellas, hats, and carry goods gain new relevance when cultural symbolism and standout forms become part of personal style.
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Product Design — Studios that merge archival research with modern materials can uncover new markets for functional objects rooted in regional heritage.