• 지역과문화
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.183-208
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• 2020

Presenting symbolic concepts consistent with the culture of the host country and international trends at international events will win the favor of the world and raise the image of the host country. The international event mascot symbolically represents the host country's unique culture, and is a good means to enhance the sense of belonging and pride of its members and to display the image of the host country in an outwardly. This study discussed the symbolic elements of the host country characteristics reflected in FIFA's World Cup event mascot. A total of 14 mascots of World Cup events were held from 1966 to 2018, and their materials can be divided into animals, plants, people and creations. The mascot was applied with the characteristic elements of regional specialties, the flag of the host country, symbolic attire, language of the hosting area, social issues and the mascot's dress, posture, props and expression characters of soccer events were used as symbolic elements. First of all, the implications of the research were that mascots were more strongly expressing the "football" signifying element, the theme of events, rather than regional characteristics. Second, the use of 'national flag' was highlighted among the elements of expressing regional characteristics. Third, 'animal' was preferred for mascot material. Fourth, mascots have become integrated with 'cultural perfumes' and play an extended role in raising social awareness. Implications derived from the classification of characteristics and symbol representation elements raised in this study will be used as a basis for the planning of international event mascots.