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Korea’s Camping Population Surpasses 7 Million as Autumn Demand Grows

Camping continues to gain popularity in South Korea as the autumn season brings ideal outdoor conditions and growing traveler interest. 

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) estimates that more than seven million people in the country now participate in camping activities, reflecting a sustained rise in demand for nature-based travel experiences.

In line with this trend, digital travel platform Agoda recently released a ranking of popular camping destinations among South Korean travelers based on its reservation data for stays between September and November. 

Jeju Island topped the list, followed by Jeonju in North Jeolla Province, Gangneung and Samcheok in Gangwon Province, and Namhae in South Gyeongsang Province. The analysis covered a range of accommodation types, including tents, holiday and caravan parks, and farm stays.

Gangneung’s continued appeal as a leading camping location was further reinforced when it was named among the 10 most visited camping sites by Kakao Navi users, according to data from the “Campaign Flight” initiative jointly conducted by the KTO and Kakao Mobility

Meanwhile, Namhae is strengthening its position as a rising camping hub with the “2025 Treasure Island Namhae Romantic Camping Festa,” which runs from September 20 to November 22. 

According to the Maeil Business Newspaper, the event features unique programs across various campsites and aims to foster a community-centered camping culture.

Interest in camping is also expanding beyond South Korea’s borders. Agoda’s data shows that Bali and Lombok in Indonesia are the most popular overseas camping destinations for Korean travelers this season, followed by Piencha in Italy, Phuket in Thailand, and Mallorca in Spain. 

Lombok has seen heightened visibility among Korean tourists since appearing in the reality program Yoon’s Restaurant, while Piencha has drawn attention from viewers of Europe Outside the Tent.

“Today, camping has become a form of healing in daily life that can be enjoyed in various ways, such as outdoor tent stays and glamping,” said Lee Joon-hwan, CEO of Agoda Northeast Asia. 

“Agoda provides a wide range of camping-type accommodations, from tents to caravans and holiday parks, helping travelers plan camping experiences that suit their taste more easily.”

For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, these insights highlight sustained interest in diversified camping formats and destination-based experiences. 

The continued growth of both domestic and overseas camping markets suggests opportunities for operators to expand offerings, enhance accessibility, and incorporate localized experiences that appeal to evolving traveler preferences.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Korea’s Camping Population Surpasses 7 Million as Autumn Demand Grows! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/asia/south-korea/koreas-camping-population-surpasses-7-million-as-autumn-demand-grows/