I mentioned it in passing in my Summer vocab post but camping in Korea has really picked up in popularity recently. I thought it would be interesting to get into it since camping in Korea is a bit different than in Canada or the USA like I am used to!
How is Camping in Korea Different Than in America?
Camping is still about getting out into nature and roasting a couple of things over a fire or barbecuing like in the West but with some key differences. For many people in the USA or Canada a big part of camping is getting away from the city, people opt to go off into the wilderness without a phone signal and a lot of modern comforts. Even camping sites here will advertise how private your spot is and how separated you are from others. They use tree coverage to hide you from your neighbors to give more of the illusion of getting away. Notices about wildlife are the norm unless you decide to try glamping (glam camping) which is a recent trend.
South Korea leans much more towards glamping. Of course, if you want nothing is stopping you from going off into the woods and setting camp. But it is much more common for Koreans who like camping to have a mix of modern comforts along with nature.
There are varying levels to this, with prices to match. Just recently I saw a video from a YouTube channel I follow documenting a glamping trip with her kids. The location had public microwaves and sinks, huge tents set up for you, electricity in the tent, cooking elements, a gym area, a pool, food to buy, and more.
That is more high-end glamping but still, it’s not uncommon to see others with projectors set up watching TV or movies!
How Did Camping Become a Thing in Korea?
Korean camping really started to take off more during covid similar to in America. People wanted to get out of their houses but restrictions stopped normal events or outings. Going to Jeju island to camp was a popular option to still travel but without leaving Korea.
South Korea has a lot of various natural beauty to explore as well, with many mountainous regions, valleys, islands, and beaches it’s the perfect way to get away while social distancing. According to Statistics Korea, the number of people going camping more than doubled during the pandemic; going from 3 million to over 7 million!
Also, I think the rise in glamping style and equipment made camping more accessible to people and easier to get started with. I know for people without experience normal camping can seem to have a high barrier to entry; how to set up a tent? start a fire? keep it going? cook safely over the fire? stay safe from bugs and wildlife? etc, etc.
What do Koreans Eat While Camping?
Food is a big part of camping in Korea! As you probably know, Koreans love grilling, BBQ, and stews which fit nicely into camping. For many people, they live in apartments in the city so the chance to cook and BBQ outside of a restaurant is the biggest selling point for them. Many campsites sell meat and veggies for grilling so you don’t have to bother with packing it yourself.
Koreans love bringing out the 삼겹살 pork belly, beef, garlic, sausages, mushrooms, and sausages to grill just like you would at a Korean BBQ restaurant. Paired with lettuce or perilla leaves to make 보쌈 wraps, along with packed sidedishes, ramyeon or ramen, spicy stews, and more to enjoy!
What are the dos and don’ts of camping in Korea?
Camping Dos:
- Research your campground! Some campsites will provide you with a full glamping experience and you won’t have to bring much of anything, and others will want you to bring your own gear, tents, and such.
- Keep it respectful. A lot of Korean campsite spots can be close to your neighbors. So keep the volume down during the night, especially around 10 pm to 8 am.
- Clean Up After Yourself. Campsite or more off the path you need to keep your space clear. Especially for backcountry camping, any trash or food you leave out can attract unwanted wildlife and overall be a danger for them.
- Register your camping spot in advance! For popular sites and during the summer when it’s more popular spots can be fully booked fast.
Camping Don’ts:
- Don’t spread your gear over the area if you’re backcountry camping. This can make it seem like you’re there more for the long-term which isn’t a great idea.
- Watch out for fire restrictions. Lighting fires is illegal because there is concern about the dry season and forest fires. Instead, official campsites will often have a BBQ setup to use to cook.
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