It is expected that the camping industry market volume will reach 600 billion won (US$548 million), a 33 percent rise from the previous year’s 450 billion won ($411 million). (image: Lee.S.T/flickr)
SEOUL, Nov. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – The camping gear industry in Korea has grown 30 times since 2008 powered by men in their 40s who enjoy outdoor lives with their small children.
According to the Korea Agency of Camping and Outdoor Industry on November 16, it is expected that the camping industry market volume will reach 600 billion won (US$548 million), a 33 percent rise from the previous year’s 450 billion won ($411 million).
Especially, compared with the sales volume of 20 billion in 2008, the industry reaped 30 times higher in just six years. An official at the agency said, “The number of campers enjoying outdoor lives in tents stayed at the 600,000 level in 2010. However, it skyrocketed to 1.3 million last year and it is expected to reach 3 million this year.”
“The sales of camping gear and camping foods keep rising and the demand for outdoor leisure activities also show increasing trends. Especially, men in their 40s lead the expanding camping gear industry,” he added.
He explained that unlike those in their 20s and 30s, people in their 40s have pleasant memory of the tent. In addition, they are interested in activities with their family members and have purchasing power to an extent with more than 10 years of gainful careers.
Because of the nature of camping enjoying outdoor lives with family members, the industry analyzes that men in their 40s with small children in particular will drive the market growth. Besides, development of the camping gear maximizing the effectiveness and functionality added fuel in the growing industry.
The official at the camping promotion agency said, “In the past, the camping gear was mostly limited to tents, camping cars, barbeque grills and other cooking utensils. But now they are turning to digital items like small-sized beam projector TV, which will be another opportunity for the industry to grow.”
By John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)
