# Heritage Rain Umbrellas The Gat Umbrella Reimagines Korea's Traditional Gat By Amy Duong | Published 2026-08-03 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gat-umbrella References: [museumshop.or.kr](https://www.museumshop.or.kr/kor/product/product_view.do?clickx=132&clicky=1561&page=1&str_bcode=001002005&str_goodcode=202607280001)  The Gat Umbrella was created by design studio TOSO for the [National Museum Foundation of Korea's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arirang) [MU](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seashell-nuo) merchandise brand. Selected through the 2026 MU merchandise competition, the design reinterprets the [traditional Korean gat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-paper-umbrella) 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. Image Credit: National Museum of Korea ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.8/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 85% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Heritage-inspired Utility:** Everyday products that reinterpret cultural artifacts can create premium appeal by blending practical function with museum-grade storytelling. - **Museum Merchandise Drops:** Limited-release cultural goods are turning institutional retail into collectible commerce, strengthening demand through scarcity and provenance. - **Symbolic Rainwear Design:** Rain accessories with distinctive silhouettes offer differentiation in a crowded category by transforming protection into visible identity expression. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Cultural Retail:** Museums and heritage organizations can extend their influence through design-led merchandise that translates historical references into contemporary consumer objects. - **Fashion Accessories:** Umbrellas, hats, and carry goods gain new relevance when cultural symbolism and standout forms become part of personal style. - **Product Design:** Studios that merge archival research with modern materials can uncover new markets for functional objects rooted in regional heritage. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hyper-Luxury Eco-Resort Destinations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperluxury-ecoresort.md) - [Early Childhood Education Centres](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hei-schools-mauritius.md) - [Temporary Architectural Festivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/champ-libre-association.md) - [Retro-Inspired Rooftop Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/escondido-rooftop-bar.md) - [Spanish Train Station Proposals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/train-station1.md) - [Minimalist Net-Zero Housing Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-ala-blanca.md) - [Modern Luxury Hotel Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-bodrum-edition1.md) - [Cave-Like Wetland Discovery Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wetland-caves-pavilion.md) - [Thoughtfully Constructed Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magdalen-house.md)