South Korean camper and caravan market plunges 80% in four years

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.

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.

According to Carisyou and Korea AI Market data, camper sales in South Korea have dropped sharply: from 34,724,000 won in 2021 to 7,644,000 won in the first half of 2025, down 78.0% from the peak. The market, which boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces a sustained downturn due to economic slowdown and declining camping interest. New camper registrations fell from 3,054 in 2021 to 274 in the first half of 2025, while caravan registrations dropped from 4,246 in 2021 to 543 in the first half of 2025. Major manufacturers like Hyundai Motor are trying to revive the market with new models, including the ST1 and PV5.

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.