A series of music audition programs on television have also contributed to higher interest in musical instruments. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — As the coronavirus pandemic continues to drag on, more consumers are picking up musical instruments as a new hobby.
Gmarket, an online shopping mall, reported a 44 percent increase in guitar sales between Dec. 25-Jan. 24 compared to last year’s records.
Acoustic guitar sales have more than doubled, and electric guitar sales have jumped by a whopping 176 percent. Classical guitar sales were up 82 percent.
Sales of ukuleles, a four-string miniature-sized instrument similar to a guitar, also rose by 55 percent.
More consumers are gaining interest in guitar since it is relatively affordable and accessible due to its easy to carry size.
Acoustic guitars for beginners sell for between 150,000-200,000 won (US$135-$180).
A series of music audition programs on television have also contributed to higher interest in musical instruments.
“COVID-19 pandemic has been dragging on for more than a year, and people are trying out new hobbies to pass the time at home,” Gmarket explained. “Demand for guitars and other popular instruments continues to grow.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
