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Foreign Tourists Flock to Seoul Department Stores for Outdoor Gear: Prepping for Hiking Adventures in Korea
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Foreign Tourists Flock to Seoul Department Stores for Outdoor Gear:
Prepping for Hiking Adventures in Korea
As hiking becomes an essential travel experience for many visitors to Korea, department stores in Seoul are seeing an influx of foreign tourists eager to shop for outdoor gear before hitting the trails.
Popular hiking destinations like Bukhansan, Bukaksan, and Inwangsan are easily accessible by public transportation and offer stunning panoramic views of Seoul, making them a hit among international travelers.
This new trend is driving up sales in the outdoor sections of major department stores.
At Lotte Department Store’s flagship location in Sogong-dong, the 7th-floor Sports & Leisure section is bustling with tourists browsing the latest in outdoor apparel, often seen with backpacks in tow, preparing for their hiking excursions.
Growing Demand for Hiking Gear
According to the retail industry, the rise of hiking among foreign tourists has led to a significant increase in outdoor apparel sales.
Lotte Department Store reported a 120% surge in outdoor gear sales to foreigners from January to August this year compared to the same period last year.
Sales in August alone jumped by 130% year-on-year, as tourists prepared for cooler weather hikes.
Popular items include lightweight jackets and packable down jackets, which are practical for all seasons.
Both domestic and international brands are drawing attention, with Korean names like Nepa, Black Yak, and Kolon Sports gaining traction alongside global outdoor brands such as Salomon, Arc’teryx, and Snow Peak.
Ki-Young Son, a buyer at Lotte Department Store, noted, “Kolon Sports, a leading K-outdoor brand, is extremely popular in China.
Some customers even buy large quantities of products in bulk to sell locally through live shopping.”
International tourists also show high demand for brands like The North Face and Discovery, which are produced under licenses in Korea and are available exclusively in the country. These products are sought after by visitors, as they can’t be purchased abroad.
Increasing Sales Across Department Stores
The trend is not limited to Lotte. Shinsegae Department Store also reported a 218% increase in outdoor sales to foreign customers this year, surpassing the 147% growth in overall sales to international shoppers.
Reflecting this trend, Shinsegae has launched a “Global Shopping Festa” through October, offering gift cards to customers purchasing outdoor gear at its main, Gangnam, and Centum City stores.
A Shinsegae representative explained, “Foreign tourists’ interest in hiking is growing rapidly. Many are buying windbreakers, hiking shoes, and backpacks. Additionally, outdoor gear sold in Korea is often 15-20% cheaper than overseas, which encourages purchases.”
Similarly, Hyundai Department Store has seen a 177.9% increase in outdoor gear sales to foreign visitors this year.
A Hyundai spokesperson commented, “Younger tourists who enjoy active vacations are driving demand for functional clothing and hiking equipment.”
Top 5 Most Popular Outdoor Brands in Korea
As outdoor gear gains popularity, certain brands are standing out for their quality and design. Here are five of the most popular outdoor brands in Korea:
1. The North Face
The North Face is the undisputed leader in outdoor apparel in Korea.
Known for its iconic padding jackets, the brand is not only synonymous with hiking but also a fashion statement.
The North Face is an American brand with a global reputation for quality and performance at a reasonable price.
Its tents are also renowned worldwide.
2. Discovery
Discovery caters to both outdoor and casual wear markets.
Offering a wide range of products from hiking gear to swimwear and everyday clothing, Discovery has gained a strong following among young consumers.
Its casual designs and vibrant color options make it a popular choice for both outdoor enthusiasts and fashion-conscious shoppers.
3. K2
K2 is a brand with a devoted fanbase in Korea. Known for its durable and high-performance products, K2 appeals to serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Founded in 1968, K2 Korea has built a strong reputation for quality and innovation in outdoor gear, including footwear, jackets, and safety equipment.
4. Nepa
Nepa, originally an Italian brand founded in 1996, has become a household name in Korea.
Famous for its hiking shoes and track shoes, Nepa’s products offer excellent stability and cushioning.
The brand is also expanding into children's wear, gaining a wider audience across age groups.
5. Black Yak
Established in 1995, Black Yak has grown to become one of Korea’s leading outdoor brands. Known for its vibrant colors and stylish designs, Black Yak is particularly popular among younger women.
The brand continues to release fresh, trendy outdoor clothing that appeals to a broad audience.
This rise in outdoor gear sales reflects the growing interest in hiking among international tourists visiting Korea.
As department stores adapt to this demand, both local and global outdoor brands are poised to capitalize on the influx of adventurous travelers looking to explore Korea’s mountains in style.
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