Bo-eun leads the digital content team. She has covered foreign affairs, North Korea, tech, economy and gender issues at The Korea Times. She did a short stint at the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, where she obtained a new perspective on news production and life. Small sources of joy for her are lounging in the sun, having a good latte and swimming.
Retailers, automakers rush to capitalize on booming leisure activity
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An increasing number of salaried workers go camping on weekends with their families thanks to a widespread five-day workweek system. / Courtesy of Kolon Sport
By Kim Bo-eun
By Kim Bo-eun
Camping has traditionally been viewed as an activity enjoyed by a small number of adventurous nature-lovers. This was probably due to the lack of adequate camping sites, as well as the rudimentary camping equipment available.
The lack of proper gear meant camping involved literally sleeping in the wild, and was something that required a great deal of courage.
However, in recent years, camping has become increasingly popular as a leisure activity among Koreans. Around a million Koreans are campers and the camping equipment market is estimated to be worth 300 billion won.
The growing camping trend is attributed to the enforcement of the five-day workweek and the popularity of camping-themed TVprograms aired these days.
According to consultant and columnist Kim Yong-sub, males in their 40s are the main drivers of the phenomenon.
“Those currently in their 40s and 50s have memories of playing in tents during their childhood,” Kim says in his book “Life Trend 2013.” “As they have been working for more than a decade, they have the necessary financial means to go camping. They also have elementary-school-age children who they take outdoors to learn about nature and ecology.”
Hyundai Motor’s Grand Starex Camping Car has a pop-up roof that creates space for two people to sleep. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
“Unlike the former generation’s breadwinners, who only paid attention to work, the current generation understands the importance of family and makes an effort to spend time with family members.”
In response to the increasing demand for outdoor activity, businesses as well as local governments have been setting up camping sites across the nation. In particular, the rising number of auto-camping sites has facilitated the experience, as people are able to enjoy camping alongside their car.
As a result of the growing interest, businesses are now hosting camping fairs, which provide people with information about camping sites, equipment and how to make the most of the experience.
Figures show camping goods have been flying off shelves. Discount chain Emart says its February sales of camping goods grew by 160 percent from a year earlier.
Earlier this month, Emart launched a discount event for camping goods, where customers who stock up on camping items before the main camping season can enjoy discount rates starting at 40 percent.
It may seem a little early to be buying camping goods. However, according to the retail store, the event was planned because more people are going camping before the main season, as camping has become a popular leisure activity.
Camping goods back, upgraded
Targeting the growing camping population, businesses are producing related equipment and goods with enhanced functions that make camping a more convenient experience.
In particular, outdoor brands that had previously focused on hiking products are now turning their attention to meeting the demands of campers.
Kolon Sport, affiliated with Kolon Industries, has stocked camping goods alongside its other products since it was established in 1973. Recently, however, camping goods have become the brand’s top sellers.
“In the 1980s, the camping goods market was doing well, since there were few accommodation facilities in the country at the time. However, as the condo and pension businesses started expanding in the 1990s, demands for camping goods dwindled,” said Lee Jae-soo, deputy general manager at Kolon’s brand and communication division.
“But in the last couple of years, camping has made a comeback, and camping-related goods are selling well.”
Other outdoor brands are rushing to launch items to meet the demands of campers.
Tents have evolved. Older ones had to be set up using poles, but modern tents automatically set themselves up. As more campers set out in family units, brands are launching larger tents, which have separate spaces for relaxing and cooking.
Transformable products are also popular. For example, outdoor brand NEPA’s folding table can have its legs adjusted to be the right height, according to circumstances. NEPA’s sleeping bags can be opened to serve as blankets and they can be joined to make a bigger one.
Equipment and goods are becoming increasingly more compact to save storage space. Specialized cooking equipment such as portable stoves, barbeque grills and coolers are now available.
In addition, creative items are being devised to minimize inconveniences. One example is egg cases, which safely carry eggs that might otherwise crack while on the move. Another is disposable paper pots, which are foldable, easy to carry and save campers the chore of dish-washing.
Ultimate camping car
While auto-camping sites offer caravans, carmakers have also started rolling out vehicles that can serve as camping cars.
Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor launched its Grand Starex Camping Car, which can serve as both an everyday vehicle and auto-camping car.
A four-person family can camp using the vehicle, which has a number of special camping-related features.
The inside of the vehicle can be set up to make a bed for two, and it has a pop-up roof that creates a space where two more people can sleep. When the roof is lifted, a person can stand upright inside the car. An awning can be extended outside the vehicle on the passenger side, providing additional shelter.
The car, which is on sale for 48 million won, also has equipment to supply water and electricity. Inside the car are a fridge, sink and microwave, as well as a folding table.
In addition to the vehicle, Hyundai Motor offers a package that includes a second awning system, a separate tent, an outdoor table, a mosquito net, a battery charger, an extra battery and a heater.
“As the nation’s camping goods market grows rapidly and auto-camping sites continue to increase, the demand for camping cars has grown. The Grand Starex Camping Car will create a new demand, shifting the focus away from high-priced rental camping cars,” a Hyundai Motor official said.