The Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) participates annually in Maison&Objet Paris, the international fair showcasing "decoration, design, and lifestyle" consumer goods. KIDP's Design Korea Exhibition Hall at the event has served as a steppingstone for small and medium-sized businesses with design excellence to reach broader exposure and market opportunities.
This year, KIDP is participating from September 5 to September 9, joined by Korean design businesses showcasing furniture, stationery, tableware, and more. In collaboration with IT Donga, we are introducing 23 design-driven small and medium enterprises participating in Maison&Objet Design Korea.As Korean dramas, music, and cuisine captivate audiences worldwide, interest in Korean culture continues to soar. A kitchenware brand seizing this trend is aiming to make a mark on the global market by modernizing the aesthetics and master craftsmanship of Korean tradition. This brand is Hériter, a premium kitchenware line operated by LABDOKU.
LABDOKU is a company that handles every aspect of its operations—from product development and design to marketing, content creation, and distribution—under the slogan “Creative Group Building High-Quality Brands.”
JEON Joohong, CEO of LABDOKU, shared, “Hériter is dedicated to modernizing the aesthetics and wisdom of Korean tradition, drawing inspiration from our heritage to create contemporary products.
We delve deeply into the ‘old ways,’ respecting their essence, and blend functional design with craftsmanship to meet today’s lifestyle needs.
Our close collaboration with artisans ensures that our products are both contemporary and rooted in tradition.”
He further noted, “Hériter places a strong emphasis on the longevity of product design, aiming to create items that not only inspire but also stand the test of time.”
Hériter Signature Knife and Cutting Board Set with Holder / Source: LABDOKU
Hériter’s flagship products include the Signature Knife and Cutting Board Set with Holder, Gaya Glass Series, and the Pottery Set.
Signature Knife and Cutting Board Set features a chef's knife designed to minimize food sticking and maximizing cutting efficiency, along with a premium FAS-grade walnut cutting board and a stainless steel holder.
The Gaya Glass Series, which is inspired by Gaya(42–562 AD) pottery, features double-walled glassware in various colors and sizes, with a thin single-wall rim for improved drinking comfort.
Hériter Pottery Set, developed in collaboration with Yido—a renowned name in Korean ceramics—features a sophisticated reinterpretation of classic Korean pottery.
The set includes three types of bowls—for rice, soup, and noodles—and two types of plates. Each piece showcases the natural color of the earth and its atypical beauty, all crafted by a master. .
Hériter Pottery Set / Source: LABDOKU
LABDOKU is also broadening the Hériter brand to encompass a complete range of kitchen products. JEON Joohong, the CEO, commented, “We are delighted by the continued support support from our customers with every Hériter product launch.”
LABDOKU will showcase these signature Hériter products at Maison&Objet, the world’s largest lifestyle and design exhibition, held in Paris this September. The participation is supported by the KIDP as part of the Design Korea Pavilion.
JEON Joohong, CEO of LABDOKU / Source: LABDOKU
As JEON Joohong noted, “Maison&Objet is a pivotal opportunity to introduce the Hériter brand to the global stage and showcase Korean aesthetics and craftsmanship to a worldwide audience. We aim to see firsthand how the global market responds and use the insights we gain to refine our international expansion strategy, taking an important first step toward the successful growth of our brand.”
He added, “Hériter aims to become a leading kitchenware brand that embodies contemporary Korea. We have invested significant effort to position ourselves as a pioneer in showcasing Korean aesthetics and craftsmanship in both global and domestic markets.
By the end of this year, we will unveil a diverse range of products, including frying pans, cutlery, and utensils, which have been carefully developed. We also plan to expand our presence in department stores and launch exclusive Hériter events to enhance customer engagement. We appreciate your continued interest and support.”
Kwon Taek-Kyeong (tk@itdonga.com)