A screenshot image of G-market site
SEOUL, Sept.17 (Korea Bizwire) – With millions of South Koreans gearing up for the annual Chuseok holiday exodus, online marketplaces are seeing a surge in sales of unconventional car accessories designed to make long journeys more comfortable.
Gmarket, a popular e-commerce platform, reported a notable uptick in searches for portable urinals with the holiday approaching.
Originally intended for hospital patients, these devices have found a new market among travelers facing hours-long traffic jams on congested highways. Recent innovations include models that can be attached to plastic bottles, offering a discreet and affordable solution at around 10,000 won.
The rise in pet ownership has also driven demand for pet car seats. These versatile accessories, designed to fit most vehicle models, offer both comfort and safety features for four-legged passengers. Despite their higher price point of around 100,000 won, they have become indispensable for many pet owners embarking on long trips.
For drivers concerned about fatigue, anti-sleep devices that clip onto the ear have emerged as a novel safety accessory.
These small, lightweight gadgets emit an alert when the wearer’s head nods or shakes, providing an additional safeguard for night-time drivers beyond traditional methods like consuming caffeine or chewing gum.
A screenshot image of Gmarket site
Other popular items include headrest tables for convenient in-car dining or device use, and USB-powered bottle warmers that allow parents to prepare warm formula for infants on the go.
Gmarket’s sales data reveals the extent of this pre-holiday shopping trend. In the week of September 3 to 9, sales of car refrigerators and warmers increased by 59% compared to the same period before last year’s Chuseok.
Car storage solutions saw a 40% jump, while navigation systems, tires and wheels, and interior accessories experienced growth of 33%, 32%, and 21% respectively.
“As in previous years, we’re seeing consumers proactively prepare for the long hours they’ll spend on the road during the Chuseok travel rush,” a Gmarket representative noted.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
