If you want to go hiking in South Korea, you’re going to have to spend a substantial amount of money on stand-out designer gear if you want to blend in.
While jeans and a T-shirt will draw attention — mainly in the form of thinly-disguised pity — a $650 North Face jacket with the latest ultra-light, three-ply Gore-Tex technology, will barely merit a second glance.
Hiking is close to a national pastime in South Korea, and millions throng the country’s many mountain parks and trails every weekend.
Their ages, stamina and motivation may vary wildly, but one thing that binds the vast majority together is a near-obsession with having the latest brand-name outdoors clothing and equipment.
Although Seoul’s highest peak, Mount Bukhansan, is a modest 836 meters above sea level, the hordes of hikers who swarm its slopes on a daily basis look dressed for a lengthy assault on the North Face of the Eiger.
“It’s not cheap, but everyone dresses this way and I don’t want to look out of place,” said Chung Da-Hee, a middle-aged housewife decked out in branded gear, right down to a pair of brightly-colored fingerless gloves.
“Anyway, it’s good quality and comfortable,” Chung said.
South Korea experienced an initial surge in the popularity of outdoor activities in the late 1980s as living standards improved and people were inspired by the country’s hosting of the 1988 summer Olympic Games.
According to Jung Juno, who heads the grandly-named World Walking Headquarters based in Seoul, a second boom was triggered by an unlikely source — the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
The crisis hit South Korea extremely hard and resulted in mass lay-offs, especially of middle-aged men who suddenly found themselves at a loose end.
“They had nowhere to go in the daytime,” Jung told AFP. “At that time, the slogan was for South Koreans to ‘remain healthy for comeback,’ so a lot of them went walking in the hills and mountains.”
The national and local governments have encouraged the trend, opening up trails and creating new hiking courses all over a country that boasts spectacular mountain and coastal scenery.
South Koreans take their hobbies and pastimes seriously and the spectacular growth of what is now Asia’s fourth-largest economy means they have the disposable income to spend money on what they enjoy.
As a result, the outdoor apparel market has exploded from $1.1 billion in 2006 to $5.3 billion in 2012.
Seoul is surrounded by mountains, and every major trailhead is approached through a mass of retail outlets selling global brand wear like Merrell, North Face and Berghaus, as well as Korean makes like Black Yak and K2.
Yang Moon-Young of Kolon Industry, a leading South Korean outdoors manufacturer, said the boom was partly attributable to the fact that most companies now allowed staff two full days off a week, rather than one-and a half days as in the past.
The increase in leisure time combined with higher incomes had fueled the market surge over the past five years, Yang said.
She also highlighted how some of the more stylish hiking gear had been adopted as street wear by young, fashion-conscious South Koreans.
“A widening range of age groups, especially younger consumers, are wearing them because of the casual look sportswear brings,” Yang said.
“Outdoor garments have come down from hills and mountains to occupy the streets,” she added.
Kim Mi-Hye, a 53-year-old high school teacher who hikes the different ridges and peaks of Mount Bukhansan on most weekends, admitted she had a substantial wardrobe of hiking gear.
“Some of the lines are nice and stylish, and there’s a great color and design choice,” Kim said.
“I keep telling myself I have enough, but then I see another jacket and I can’t help myself,” she added.
Haute-couture hiking in South Korea
Haute-couture hiking in South Korea
Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia
- This resort is an impressive contribution to the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions
JEDDAH: From the moment you arrive at Rixos Obhur Jeddah, it’s clear this is not just another beachfront resort — it’s a statement. Billed as the first all-inclusive luxury experience “of its kind” in Jeddah, Rixos Obhur signals a shift in how hospitality is being represented in Saudi Arabia. It is a breath of fresh air — both literally and conceptually — introducing a global resort model while remaining rooted in regional culture.
The Kingdom has long been associated mainly with business travel and domestic tourism. But it is now positioning itself as a lifestyle destination for international travelers. Rixos Obhur actively contributes to that change, offering an experience that competes confidently with established upmarket resort destinations around the world. During my stay, it was impossible not to notice the wide range of international visitors alongside Saudi families and regional travelers.
The property is expansive, polished, and unmistakably luxurious. I stayed in a three-bedroom villa designed to accommodate up to six guests. The attention to detail throughout the space was immediately noticeable.
The interiors are modern, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and warm, welcoming comfort. Everything feels new, curated, and intentional — from the furniture selection to the lighting and layout.
What truly stands out, though, is just how elevated even the smallest details feel. The bathroom amenities, including the shampoo and personal care products, are of exceptional quality — a small but telling detail that separates a luxury resort from a standard beachfront chalet experience. This is not the kind of stay where you feel you’ve “settled” for convenience; it’s one where indulgence is built into every element.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. One of the highlights of my stay was the dinner and live show experience. Guests are treated to an open buffet that goes far beyond expectations, featuring premium cuts of steak, rich Turkish specialties, Arabic classics, and indulgent desserts — including Turkish Delights that live up to the brand’s heritage.
The food selection is impressively diverse, catering to an international audience while still celebrating regional flavors. This thoughtful balance ensures that every guest, regardless of background, finds something familiar and something new to enjoy. The live entertainment — including dancers and a live band — adds an energetic, celebratory atmosphere that transforms dinner into a full evening experience rather than just a meal, while the range of expertly crafted mocktails on offer further enhances the resort’s appeal.
Service throughout the property is warm, attentive, and polished, creating an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply accommodated.
Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. Even during warmer weather, the presence of outdoor air-conditioning allows guests to enjoy open spaces comfortably — a thoughtful adaptation to the local climate. The beach, too, is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and clearly designed with families in mind.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah offers a vision of Saudi Arabia as a competitive global tourism destination, capable of delivering world-class hospitality experiences without compromise. It successfully highlights what an all-inclusive resort can look like in the Kingdom, blending international standards with regional identity in a way that feels authentic and forward-looking.
If this resort is a glimpse of where Saudi tourism is headed, the future looks both exciting and impressively refined.
