Tayo Bus

Tayo Bus is a state-run bus project that features characters from the animated TV series “Tayo the Little Bus” by Iconix Entertainment.

“Tayo the Little Bus” is about the adventures of Tayo, a little blue bus, and his group of friends.

Launched in March, this one-month event to mark National Public Transportation Day gained huge popularity, especially among young passengers.

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said the idea for the Tayo buses came from a request on his Twitter account last year from a mother living in Seoul.

While Tayo buses operated the same way as other regular city buses, more than 400 passengers hopped on Tayo buses every day, a significant increase from before the buses were introduced.

Passengers could also check the bus schedule and real-time locations of each vehicle on a mobile app.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it has decided to extend the operation of Tayo buses and increase the number of them to 100.

Following the success of the Tayo buses, the city government introduced the “Pororo taxi” in November, taxis decorated with the animated TV character Pororo the Little Penguin.

Honey Butter Chip

Honey Butter Chip, a product of Haetae Confectionery & Foods Co., hit record sales of 5 billion won ($4.5 million) within three months of its launch in August.

The potato chips are flavored with French gourmet butter and acacia honey.

The skyrocketing popularity of the snack made it nearly impossible to find at convenient stores. Some stores even posted a sign on the door that said, “We don’t have them,” in order to stop having to answer questions from customers looking for the chips.

The company said the key to its success was an “optimal combination of salty, sweet and buttery tastes that suit Korean palates.”

According to Haetae, the production rate of Honey Butter Chip went up by 30 to 40 percent compared to the previous period. The company said it also added a third shift at the factory to keep up with the soaring demand.

Honey Butter Chip’s retail price is 2,400 won ($2.20), but it went for almost double the amount at online auctions.

A bag of the chips was even sold on eBay for $50, more than 20 times the original price.


Misaeng

This year, people cried, laughed and nodded in empathy as they watched a two-year contract worker struggle to gain regular status at a general trading company in office-themed drama “Misaeng (Incomplete Life).”

“Misaeng,” cable TV channel tvN’s series based on an eponymous webtoon by Yoon Tae-ho, was a phenomenal hit here for its realistic depiction of office workers’ everyday lives. Even without banal romantic plots or A-list actors, the 20-episode series ended in December at an 8.2 percent viewership rating, a rare feat for a cable channel.

The story revolves around Jang Geu-rae (Yim Si-wan), who failed in becoming a professional baduk (Go) player and ended up as a contract worker at a large company to make a living.

The original webtoon series was extremely popular when it was first serially published on the portal website Daum in 2012. Boosted by the drama, the webtoon gained momentum once again and the comic book series topped the bestseller list at a number of bookstores. It has sold over 2 million copies, with enthusiastic support from office workers in their 30s and 40s. 


Power Ranger toys

Power Ranger series toys overwhelmed the Tobot series to become the most popular in the local toy market as of November, marking Tobot’s first-ever defeat.

Industry watchers cite the Power Ranger Dino DX Force Tyranno King action figure as the game changer, as it became one of the most sought-after toys following the launch of the related Japanese television series in July here. According to one of the major online shopping malls here, the Tyranno King was the best-selling toy this month.

Anxious parents lined up at toy shops to get their hands on the toy that topped Christmas wish lists, but most stores quickly sold out. As a result, the toy carries an official price tag of 75,000 won ($68) but has sold at more than double and triple this price at online cafes that managed to secure the toys directly from Japan. 


Selfie sticks

Selfie sticks ― handheld extendable poles for smartphones that help the user take better selfies and panoramas ― gained global popularity this year. By hoisting the phone onto the poles, the user can easily take photos of themselves, either alone or in a group.

The trend caught on quickly, especially as a vast number of people all over the world posted photos of themselves on social networking sites such as Facebook. Selfie sticks were one of the hottest-selling holiday gifts in the market.

The poles, however, also faced some controversy as they can cause public disturbance, and were banned in some major public venues around the world. In Korea, selling unregulated Bluetooth selfie sticks will land vendors a fine of $27,000 or up to three years in prison.

Some critics were found to loathe the sticks, saying that they took narcissism to a new level, and asked why people felt the need to be in the photos. 


Air Cushion makeup

The Air Cushion has become one of the biggest trends in facial makeup in Korea after a huge sensation created by BB creams. Air Cushion products are basically like liquid foundation but soaked in a sponge together with sun protection, makeup base and moisturizers.

Air Cushion enjoyed massive popularity mainly because it was multifunctional, while at the same time offering a natural makeup look as it is said to sit lighter on the skin.

As one of the best-selling products in the last few years, Air Cushion comestics helped drive the sale of color cosmetics up 11 percent in 2013. Local cosmetics giants such as AmorePacific and LG Household and Healthcare locked horns in a legal battle over who held the patent for the essential technology of Air Cushion makeup.

Data show that more than 11 million Air Cushions from the Korean brand IOPE have sold since they were introduced to the market in 2008.