[Youth Report] Forgetting Worries in the Mountains... MZ Generation Hooked on Hiking

'Plogging' Activity of Picking Up Trash While Hiking
Youth Changing Hiking Wear Trends... 'Gopcore Look'

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As more young people prioritize health, the number of those taking up hiking as a hobby is also increasing. In the past, hiking was considered an activity exclusive to middle-aged and older adults, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of young people enjoying hiking has turned hiking apparel into a trendy fashion statement.

'Hiking,' once seen as a middle-aged hobby... Captivates the MZ Generation

[Image source=Pixabay]

Recently, with the arrival of full spring weather, more people in their 20s and 30s are hitting the mountains. Kim (27), an office worker who climbed Bukhansan with a friend on the 1st, said, "When I have a lot on my mind, I need to move my body instead," adding, "Even if my body is tired, I keep climbing because of the view from the summit and the sense of accomplishment and pride I feel while hiking."

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of hiking has increased as more people prefer outdoor exercise over indoor activities. This has led to new slang terms such as 'Deungnini' (hiking + child) and 'Sannini' (mountain + child), referring to the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) who are passionate about hiking.

The hiking craze among the MZ generation is also hot on social media. Searching 'hikingstagram' on Instagram yields about 1.57 million posts, and 'Deungnini' brings up 771,000 posts. Especially, they often dress in unique hiking outfits and carefully document their hiking experiences to upload on SNS.

In particular, some young people choose hiking specifically to engage in 'plogging' activities. Plogging is a compound word from the Swedish 'plocka up' (to pick up) and the English 'jogging,' referring to an eco-friendly exercise of picking up trash while walking or hiking. This activity appeals to the MZ generation, who are highly interested in environmental ethics and prioritize self-care and health.

'Gorpcore Look' Gains Attention Amid Hiking Boom

[Image source=Pixabay]

The hiking craze among young people has also brought prosperity to outdoor brands. The North Face (Youngone Outdoor) recorded sales of 763.9 billion KRW last year, a 40.3% increase compared to the previous year, recovering to the 700 billion KRW sales level of its heyday. K2 (K2 Korea) also saw sales and operating profits rise by 5.6% and 12.5%, respectively, during the same period. Outdoor brands have been highly effective by appointing popular young celebrities like Suzy and IU as exclusive models.

Moreover, the outdoor look trend has changed due to the younger generation. In the past, hiking clothes were often colorful and patterned, but now they have shifted to simple and sophisticated designs. This has brought attention to the 'Gorpcore look.' Gorpcore is a compound of Gorp, the nuts and dried fruits eaten for energy during outdoor activities, and Normcore, a fashion trend emphasizing natural simplicity. In other words, it refers to the trend of using hiking clothes as everyday wear.

'So-hwak-seong' Trend and the Hiking Boom

[Image source=Pixabay]

The hiking boom among young people aligns with the 'So-hwak-seong' trend, which means 'small but certain achievement.' For the MZ generation, hiking is an attractive hobby because it offers visible achievements like 'completing a climb.'

Additionally, some continue hiking as an extension of 'Gat-saeng.' 'Gat-saeng' is a compound of 'God' and 'saeng' (life), meaning living a productive daily life and regularly engaging in activities that bring a sense of accomplishment. For example, consistently practicing small routines such as waking up at 7 a.m. daily, drinking more than one liter of water every day, and writing gratitude journals helps build a sense of achievement.