The most expensive "Hera Bear" costs 1.12 billion KRW — Visit the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju and you won’t want to leave

▲Jeju Teddy Bear Museum (Photo / Reporter Chen Hanyin)

▲A giant teddy bear pops out in the wildlife area to welcome visitors.

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Reported and photographed from South Korea

Whether you're a teddy bear fan, a bear enthusiast, or simply love plush toys, the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju Island is an absolute must-visit. With tens of thousands of teddy bears in its collection, from the wildlife section on the first floor to the marine ecosystem and fairy tale areas on the second and third floors, every level is packed with adorable teddy bears — a dream come true for fans.

▲All the teddy bears in the museum can be hugged.

In the first-floor wildlife area, not only are there giant teddy bears dressed as zookeepers welcoming you at the entrance, but other wild animals such as tigers, elephants, camels, and even the popular sloth dolls are on display. The lifelike stuffed animals can be freely hugged and photographed with, making it perfect for family fun.

▲All the teddy bears here wear the same smiling expression.

▲The wildlife plush toys look incredibly lifelike.

There are three teddy bear-themed museums in Jeju, South Korea. The "Teseum Teddy Bear Museum" became famous after being featured in the Korean drama "Goong." The Teseum Museum is the world’s first new-concept museum to display sewn plush toys of wildlife, sea creatures, and birds. In addition, the teddy bear café and fairy tale area are also very popular with visitors of all ages.

▲An enormous teddy bear family — you’ll need to climb onto a chair to take a photo.

▲Welcome to Teddy Bear Café No. 1.

▲The elegant and romantic fairy tale area.

▲The Snow White teddy bear in the display window.

On the second floor, step into the underwater tunnel where dolphin, shark, turtle, and mermaid teddy bears swim in the water. The museum features various themed teddy bear exhibits, including a must-see masterpiece section where teddy bears take on the roles of classic paintings. They perfectly recreate works like "Vitruvian Man" and "The Birth of Venus," their cute appearances sure to bring smiles.

▲The masterpiece section features many classic parody pieces, and although they’re parodies, each work is incredibly adorable.

▲The teddy bear in golden ratio.

▲"The Birth of Venus" never fails to bring laughs no matter how many times you see it.

It’s worth mentioning that the most expensive teddy bear in the entire museum — the shop’s pride and joy — is this glittering "Hera Bear." Wearing a diamond crown and made entirely of high-end mohair, it’s valued at 1.12 billion KRW, equivalent to over NT$30 million. It stands gracefully in the display window.

▲Although this "Hera Bear" is priced at 1.12 billion KRW, the world’s most expensive teddy bear is actually another one.

▲Teddy bears from around the world are all here.

After visiting the museum, head to the gift shop where a dazzling array of teddy bear plush toys and merchandise await. Fans of teddy bears should set aside plenty of time to enjoy a thorough shopping experience.

▲The teddy bear merchandise section that could drive you crazy with cuteness.

Teseum Teddy Bear Museum
Address: 2159, Hapyeong-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea (Aewol-eup)
Phone: Jeju Teddy Bear Museum +82-64-799-4820
Opening Hours: 08:30–19:00
Admission: Adults 10,500 KRW (approx. NT$283.65) / Teens 9,000 KRW (approx. NT$243.13) / Children 8,000 KRW (approx. NT$216.11)