MZ "Finally Going on a Hawaii Honeymoon"... Field Mukbang and 'Gollini' Certification Shot

Overseas Honeymoon Rush After Long Hiatus
Golf, Tennis, and Other Sports Desires Explode

[Asia Economy Reporters Jang Sehee, Gong Byungseon, Oh Gyumin] The MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) has recently started making travel plans again, which they had postponed. This is because the mandatory self-quarantine for overseas arrivals has been lifted. The full removal of social distancing measures domestically, leading to a return to normal life, has also contributed. Seunghyun Kwon (31), who got married last December, planned a 7-night, 8-day trip to Hawaii from late September to early October this year. With the COVID-19 situation improving compared to before and domestic distancing restrictions lifted, he decided on a reminder honeymoon. Kwon said, "The theme of this trip is 'healing,'" adding, "I plan to go snorkeling, try mountain motorbiking, and surfing."

MZ "Finally heading to Hawaii"... Travel industry bookings up 500%

Kim (29), who is getting married this May, will also go on a honeymoon to Hawaii from the 7th to the 12th of next month. Kim said, "I want to take off my mask and enjoy shopping and relaxation," adding, "I chose a free travel style because I want to use various accommodations like resorts and hotels."

As travel demand has greatly increased, the travel industry is experiencing a revival. Jung Ki-yoon, Executive Director at Hana Tour, said, "Compared to before the easing of social distancing, current bookings have increased by 500%," adding, "Since there may be restrictions on tourism depending on each country's quarantine situation, combined packages including flights and rental cars are very popular." He also noted, "There are many inquiries from young people who got married last year but couldn't go on honeymoons," mentioning, "There are many inquiries about trips to resorts like Hawaii and Guam."

With the increase in travel, local photography companies are also facing booking difficulties. Choi (41), who runs a photography company in Florence, Italy, said, "All May schedules are fully booked," adding, "We are currently accepting reservations for July and August."

Some are postponing travel to the end of the year due to rising airfare and fuel surcharges. Na (33) said, "Even the price of flights to nearby Jeju Island has increased by about 40,000 KRW," adding, "Complicated immigration procedures and local situations can be variables, so I plan to wait and see the situation before traveling around the end of the year."

Golf and tennis demand also rising... "Outdoor mask removal may trigger pent-up psychological release"

Participation in indoor and outdoor sports is also increasing. It serves multiple purposes: body fitness through exercise, social interaction, and expressing one's identity on social networking services (SNS).

Bitna Kim (32) said, "Many of my friends play golf, so I started learning because I thought it could be a lifelong hobby," adding, "Filming mukbangs on the golf course is also quite fun." Kim (31) said, "I started playing tennis last March; it’s good for sweating and meeting people," adding, "There are many types of tennis wear, and it’s fun to show them off on SNS." Office worker Park (29) said, "I have been doing group personal training (PT) with others for a month," expressing, "I think exercising with others is more effective."

The MZ generation’s desire for exercise is steadily increasing. According to the 2021 National Sports Survey by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the regular sports participation rate among people in their 20s was 63.6%, up 2.7 percentage points from the previous year. The participation rate among teenagers was also 55%, up 3.0 percentage points from the previous year. Popular culture critic Jung Deokhyun said, "As COVID-19 has lasted over two years, demand for outdoor activities that people couldn’t do before is expected to explode," adding, "With the removal of outdoor mask mandates, the pent-up desire for outdoor activities will likely increase even more."

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