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Camping activites have been experiencing a surge in popularity in Korea, but leaving
the comfort of home can be difficult for some.
A new vacation trend of caravan camping attempts to combine the best of both worlds.
Our Paul Yi shows us how Koreans are discovering the great outdoors in style.
With the advancing spring-like weather bringing back milder temperatures, many families are
taking the weekend off to go camping.
This campground in Gapyeong County is packed with cars and tents, but camping equipment
is a cumbersome and often costly investment for most Korean households.
"All together with the tent, it cost around three million won, or about 27-hundred U.S.
dollars.
But being outdoors with the family and having a fun time seemed like the better choice."
In order to attract new tourists, rental caravans sites have been cropping up on the east coast.
It's fast becoming one of the most popular vacation getaways with air conditioning and
warm, cozy beds.
"It's our first time using a camping car.
We came to give our kids a great experience and it's been so comfortable. It's like you
just moved your house here."
It's also a family activity that won't break the bank.
New caravan rentals cost around 200 to 300 thousand won, or an average of 230 U.S. dollars
per day.
"To popularize a new camping culture, we introduced high-end camping cars. It's doing well now."
There are currently around 3-hundred-ninety of these recreational vehicles, or RV campgrounds
across the country, with 80 of them in Gangwon Province alone.
It's also attracting the attention of local officials who see it as a boost to the regional
economy.
"There are many large campgrounds in Gangwon Province.
These rental campsites have been established to provide a camping experience which many
campers can discover.
Camping culture is becoming one of the fastest growing activities for the country's leisure
industry.
One that's gotten ever-more inviting.
Paul Yi, Arirang News