• 패션비즈니스
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• 제19권5호
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• pp.128-138
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics and recent trends of Korean herbal medicine cosmetics brand logos and to shed light on the identities of herbal medicine cosmetics in Korea. Ultimately this study aims to seek ways to develop strategic global brands distinguished from other brands, and providing the basic data for such development. In order to investigate the characteristics of brand logos, the researcher of this study chose 11 Korean Herbal Medicine Cosmetics Brands marketed today and collected information related to the brands from their websites. The visual characteristics of the logos currently used by Korean herbal medicine cosmetics can be summarized as follows. Most brand logos include marks consisting of Chinese letters written in calligraphy styles to represent the brand information of'Korean herbal medicine.' As for colors, most brands use mostly black and gold to present luxurious images, or convey strong impressions through stark contrast between black, red and white, hoping to distinguish themselves from other cosmetic products. An analysis of the linguistic characteristics of herbal medicine cosmetics in South Korea revealed that most brands use associative and freestanding brand names which suggest that the user's appearance will improve by using the products they represent. Using such names that convey oriental purity and mysterious meanings, trying to capture the deepest beauty with the best quality, the brands construct brand images that are luxurious and high-class. Most of the brands currently used by Korean herbal medicine cosmetics employ components that emphasize the functional aspect of Korean herbal medicine cosmetics. To secure the status of world-class brands, however, it is imperative to conduct research on brand logos capable of establishing identities distinguished from others.