Products with stories and scarcity are also working in the holiday gift market. Wadiz said on Wednesday it analysed this year’s Chuseok gift consumption trends based on data from its "Autumn Bumper Harvest Warehouse" promotion featuring Chuseok gifts and autumn-season products.

The analysis identified three trends: "heritage", which values tradition and storytelling; "wellness", which focuses on everyday health management; and "homeconomy", which boosts convenience and efficiency at home. The company said it confirmed that products with differentiated stories and practicality can uncover new demand even in the holiday gift market.

The most prominent keyword was "heritage". A jewellery collection that reinterprets domestic white jade in a modern design has surpassed 400 million won and is recording the promotion’s highest funding total. "Grape honey liquor" reflecting 10 years of research know-how in honey liquor, and a 300-bottle limited "handcrafted Andong soju" made by a master also drew interest in the food category. A funding project that recreates Silla national heritage in bricks also drew attention. Production know-how, cultural background and the scarcity of limited editions are seen as having guided supporters’ choices.

Demand to manage health more conveniently led to "wellness" products. Examples include candy made with 100 percent Manuka honey, "Veggie Fit" blended with high levels of organic vegetables, and "Sansam Cultured Root Pills" developed by a Korean medicine doctor. A consumer trend that considers both health and ease of consumption also appeared in holiday gifts.

Homeconomy products that reduce the burden of housework also stood out. The company said products that ease the work of cooking, storage and cleaning were evenly chosen, including frozen portioning storage containers with more than 7,000 pre-notification sign-ups, an induction pressure cooker designed for pot rice, and an electric squeegee used to clean bathrooms and windows.

A Wadiz official said, "The trend of choosing holiday gifts to match the recipient’s tastes and lifestyle is becoming even more distinct."