South Korean workers taking an art class at the cultural center in Shinsegae Department Store. (image: Shinsegae Department Store)
SEOUL, Dec. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — With the introduction of a government mandated 52-hour workweek, South Koreans are increasingly going out to try out new experiences after work, which is seen as the onset of a new era of micro-leisure.
Innocean Worldwide Inc., a local advertising agency, released a report on Thursday analyzing some 270,000 data records from major blogs and social network channels between January and October, which showed that South Korean workers discussed time, space, and various activities related to leisure.
For starters, a surge in the number of students at local cultural centers on weekdays after 6 p.m. is forcing the centers to open additional evening courses.
The surge in the number of male students and those in their 20s and 30s at department stores and cultural centers is also striking.
More than 90,000 posts talked about ‘one-day classes’, jumping from 76,000 posts last year, which shows that many South Koreans prefer to engage in community-based relationships based on personal preferences.
The increasing demand for one-day classes has stimulated the growth of social and leisure activity platforms, the report said.
South Koreans were also willing to try out a greater variety of hobbies in the fields of art, athletics, photography, and music.
For instance, South Koreans talking about art would discuss specific genres of colored pictures, oriental painting, folk painting, figure painting, and more.
“Micro-experience is a new keyword among South Koreans, who now have more time to spend for themselves on weekdays,” said Lee Su-jin, head of Innocean’s Data Command Team.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
