Queue at Amusement Park on Gwanaksan Peak... Outdoor Boom Among 2030s Amid COVID-19

BAC 2030 New Subscribers
3.8 Times Increase in May-June Compared to Last Year
Rising Purchases of Accessories Like Gloves and Socks
Replacing Fluorescent Outdoor Wear
With Stylish Fashion Mix and Match

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] #. During the golden holiday period last May, a queue as long as an amusement park line appeared at the Yeonjudae peak of Gwanaksan Mountain. More than 70 people gathered in the certification line essential for the '100 Famous Mountains Challenge' certification operated by outdoor clothing company Black Yak's 'Black Yak Alpine Club (BAC)'. Instead of brightly colored outdoor clothing in pink, red, yellow, and other primary colors, the eye-catching sight was of young mountaineers, 'fashionistas', mixing and matching unique looks with colorful socks. Mr. A, carrying a makeshift ice cream container, smiled and said, "Today's business is booming. So many young people have come to the mountain."

The 20s and 30s generation, restricted from using indoor gyms due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), are turning their attention to outdoor activities. Although their immediate contribution to sales is not high, there is growing hope that they will become potential consumers and bring vitality to the stagnant outdoor market.

According to Black Yak on the 7th, the number of BAC members in their 20s and 30s increased about 3.8 times in May and June this year compared to the same period last year. In April, when it peaked, the growth rate was four times that of the previous year. The proportion of the 20s and 30s age group among the total BAC members also jumped significantly to 55% as of the end of June, up from 35.8% at the end of 2019. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 this year, the club has seen a net increase of over 20,000 members, most of whom are new members in this age group.

The enthusiasm for purchasing hiking gear is also hot online. At SSG.com, an online mall affiliated with Shinsegae Group, total sales of hiking products in June (1st to 30th) increased by 10.1% compared to the same period last year. Sales of gloves and socks rose by 86.7%, and hats increased by 65.4%. Clothing sales grew by 16.8%, and backpacks by 5%. On Gmarket, total sales of hiking and outdoor products jumped 30% from June 2 to July 1 compared to the previous year. Hiking accessories and backpacks increased by 22%, equipment by 39%, and hiking shoes by 24%.

Even in relatively sluggish offline channels, sales of hiking-related products showed a slight increase. Sales in related categories at a major A department store increased by 4% in June compared to the same period last year. Sales of the individual clothing brand 'Discovery' also rose, attributed to the COVID-19 benefit effect and the spread of leisure activities such as hiking and camping. The securities industry estimates that the brand's second-quarter sales reached 58.5 billion KRW, a 14.5% increase from the previous year.

A Black Yak official explained, "Since the outbreak of COVID-19, young people have been unable to go to gyms, so there has been a noticeable trend of couples or groups of friends easily taking on hiking challenges." He added, "Especially with the popularization of certification culture based on social networking services (SNS) like Instagram, outdoor activities seem to have been influenced as well."

Another outdoor company official said, "Young mountaineers are beginners, so rather than spending a lot of money immediately on expensive hiking bags or equipment, they often mix and wear existing sports leggings and other items. However, we interpret this as a positive sign, considering them as potential future consumers."