Incheon reforms landfill camping: fighting fake bookings and expanding family benefits

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.

On Daegwallyeong Pass (Gangwon Province), barriers, posts and trees have been installed to block long-term parking and overnight stays in campers. The number of campers has dropped, but some have moved to remote areas, raising fire and nature damage concerns.

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.