Camper sales in South Korea plunge 80% from pandemic peak

The South Korean city of Gwacheon has announced discounts of up to 50% for its residents on tourist facilities and campsites in Tongyeong, Gapyeong and Donghae. Discounts apply from July 29 upon presentation of ID, but not during peak seasons.

According to CarChart AI, only 1,361 new camper vehicles (motorhomes and caravans) were registered in South Korea in 2025, an 81.4% drop from the 2021 peak of 7,300 units. Market value based on new purchase prices fell from 347.24 billion won in 2021 to 76.44 billion won in 2025 (a 78% decline). In the first half of 2026, just 397 units worth 24.59 billion won were registered. The downturn is attributed to the end of the pandemic boom, resumption of overseas travel, high interest rates, and inflation. Consumers are shifting to low-cost, minimalist camping. Electric campers based on PBV platforms (Hyundai ST1, Kia PV5) are seen as a potential revival driver, offering high-power appliances without a generator.

At Daegwallyeong Pass (Gangwon Province), barriers and posts have been installed to prevent long-term parking and overnight stays in campers. The measures follow residents' complaints about noise and trash.

Deokcheon Beach in Yeongdeok County, North Gyeongsang Province, offers free admission, parking for 1,500 vehicles, and a 148-unit campground. The 8-km sandy stretch connects three beaches, including a zone for motorhomes and caravans. Open daily in season from 9:00 to 18:00 for swimming and until 19:30 for walking. Camping requires online booking with payment within 24 hours.

In Hoengseong County, Gangwon Province, four public campsites, including Byeongjibang auto-campsite and Seonbawi campsite, have been closed for over two years. The closure stems from a legal dispute between the county government and village corporations that managed the sites. The facilities have fallen into disrepair: entrances are blocked, shower rooms are overgrown, and equipment is broken. In July 2026, the county transferred the campsites to the Culture and Tourism Foundation and allocated a budget for renovation. One zone with 33 sites is scheduled to reopen in August, with the remaining sites planned for 2027. However, full restoration of all four campsites requires additional funding, and the initial construction cost was about 600 million won.

Donghae City (Gangwon Province) announced the opening of the second Mangsang auto camping site on July 29. The 29,256 sq m site has 40 vehicle spaces, with 20 initially operational.