Healing from the tiresome 'Corona Blue'... Water Staring and Fire Gazing Healing Items Selling Well

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] Healing items to overcome the new type of depression called ‘Corona Blue’ caused by the aftermath of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are gaining popularity.

According to Gmarket on the 9th, items for ‘Mulmeong’ (staring blankly at water) and ‘Bulmeong’ (staring blankly at fire) are selling like hotcakes.

First, the sales of various pet fish and aquarium-related products that help people enjoy ‘Mulmeong’ at home have increased by up to more than double compared to the previous year over the past month. Fish food for freshwater fish, which are easy for beginners to raise, grew by 66% compared to the previous year, followed by saltwater fish and fry food, which are easy for breeding, increasing by 42% and 55%, respectively. In addition, goldfish and carp (37%) and shrimp and crustacean food (39%) were also sold in large quantities.

Aquarium-related products are also popular. Driftwood and stone models that create an environment similar to nature inside the aquarium increased by more than double (171%). In addition, sales of hatching boxes and spawning beds that help pet fish breed increased by 37%, and substrates, artificial aquatic plants, and decorations increased by 81% and 27%, respectively.

Among water quality management and cleaning tools (29%), oxygen generators and air pumps increased by more than double (111%), aquarium lights (127%), and aquatic plant fertilizers and aquatic plant care devices (118%) also showed more than double growth.

A representative product, the ‘Suisaku Pro Hose EX,’ effectively removes waste and water inside the aquarium with delicate suction power. It is also characterized by being made of soft silicone material, which reduces damage to aquatic plants and substrates.

The ‘Twinstar M Series Aquatic Plant Sterilizer’ removes algae that form inside the aquarium with its own sterilizing ingredients. At the same time, it promotes growth by up to 50% by enabling aquatic plants to absorb nutrients smoothly.

‘TetraBit’ is a granule food with a slow sinking speed that can be fed to all tropical fish. It is rich in vitamin C, inducing vibrant coloration in pet fish and enhancing their immunity.

Bulmeong-related products are also popular. As social distancing has led to the rise of ‘Chabak’ (car camping), the sales of products that allow people to enjoy Bulmeong while car camping have generally been high. On Gmarket, sales of fire pits and fire pit tables surged by 186% and 103%, respectively, compared to the previous year over the past month. Firewood and charcoal increased by 96% and 58%, respectively, and barbecue accessories (78%) and aroma candles (12%) also gained popularity. Sales of basic camping items such as torches and camping butane gas increased by 29% and 16%, respectively.

A Gmarket official said, “As Corona Blue has become widespread, more people are seeking simple healing. Mulmeong is emerging as a way to relieve stress, so its popularity is expected to continue steadily. Also, as more people enjoy Chabak, Bulmeong items are gaining popularity.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.