Parasols are now gaining popularity among men, driven by practical concerns over UV exposure and heat. (Image courtesy of Yonahp)
SEOUL, July 26 (Korea Bizwire) – As South Korea grapples with an intensifying pattern of extreme heat and heavy rainfall, sun parasols and rain boots are emerging as must-have items—transcending gender norms and seasonal fashion boundaries.
Once seen as a distinctly feminine accessory, parasols are now gaining popularity among men, driven by practical concerns over UV exposure and heat.
Data from Naver’s DataLab and Google Trends show a sharp uptick in search volume for parasols during the summer months, with the latter reporting a near-maximum interest score of 98 this week.
On Seoul’s streets, especially in areas like Sinchon, it is now common to see men carrying parasols. “At first, I worried using a parasol might look unmanly,” said Hwang Yeon-woo, 26. “But nobody really cares, so I just use one now.”
This shift reflects a broader cultural change in how men perceive personal care and sun protection. In 2021, South Korea’s National Institute of the Korean Language even removed gendered language from the official dictionary definition of “parasols.”
Meanwhile, rain boots have become another unlikely fashion and functional staple amid Korea’s recent torrential downpours. Instagram posts tagged with #rainboots have topped 150,000, while fashion platforms like W Concept and Musinsa report a 30% and 583% year-over-year jump in waterproof gear sales, respectively.
(Image courtesy of Yonahp)
College student Moon Hye-rim noted the practicality: “Rain boots let me walk without worrying about wet socks.” Others described them as stylish “effortless fashion” that pairs utility with trendiness.
Yet, doctors warn that prolonged use of rain boots, which are often stiff and heavy, can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis—a foot condition that has doubled in South Korea over the past decade, especially among women in the summer months.
“Rain boots restrict natural foot and ankle movement, potentially leading to muscle fatigue and inflammation,” explained Dr. Kim Na-min of Gangnam JS Hospital.
Medical experts recommend stretching calves after prolonged wear to mitigate strain, particularly when navigating slippery sidewalks during storms.
Together, these two items—sun parasols and rain boots—have become symbolic of how climate adaptation is shaping consumer behavior and redefining everyday essentials in South Korea.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
