SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s imports of recreational water leisure items marked a sharp increase during the January to July period of this year compared to a year ago thanks to the return of everyday life after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Korea Customs Service, the nation’s imports of recreational water leisure items amounted to US$59 million in the first seven months of this year, up 73.8 percent year on year.
This figure was the highest since the coronavirus started spreading in 2020.
For the May to July period, when the demand for recreational water leisure items is typically high, the nation’s imports of such items reached $38 million, more than two times higher than a year ago.
By item, the nation’s imports of swimming suits amounted to $26 million, followed by water sports items such as tubes, surfboards and paddle boards at $23 million and life jackets at $10 million.
Year on year, the country’s imports of swimming suits, water sports items and life jackets jumped by 73.9 percent, 60.3 percent and 118.4 percent, respectively.
In the category of swimming suits, the nation’s imports of women’s swimming suits marked a year-on-year growth rate of 89.3 percent, higher than men’s swimming suits (45.9 percent).
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