[High-Touch Travel] Why the Enthusiasm? ... 'The Allure of Motorcycles'

Published 15 Oct.2022 10:20(KST)

'Design (Look)' + 'Sound' + 'Feel' = 'Emotion'
Motorcycle Leisure Culture... 'Honor' and 'Self-esteem' Over 'Money'
Increase in Couple Riders and Female Riders... Investing in Hobbies and Oneself

Broadcaster Noh Hong-chul participating in the Grand Tour of the 24th Korea National Hog Rally [Harley-Davidson Korea]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-chul] Our leisure culture has gradually evolved in various directions, from activities meant to be seen to those meant to be enjoyed.

The appearance alone conveys a strong sense of enjoyment. Among them, motorcycle leisure stands out as a representative example.

Along with middle-aged people choosing motorcycles as a hobby after retirement, the number of female riders is also increasing, especially among the younger generation.

Foreign motorcycle brands are eager to secure loyal customers through their own differentiation strategies.

Among them, the most globally recognized motorcycle brand, including in Korea, is Harley-Davidson.

The 24th Korea National H.O.G. Rally, a festival for Harley-Davidson riders, was held on the 23rd of last month at Welli Hilli Park in Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do. [Harley-Davidson Korea]

Their club, 'H.O.G (Harley Owners Group)', boasts a long history in each country.

H.O.G members, who value honor over money, also lead the 'rally' events by covering costs and manpower themselves.

Harley-Davidson only sponsors and manages the events. Their pride and competitive spirit are exceptional.

It is rare and remarkable to see a fan club passionately devoted to a specific brand grow so large worldwide.

They also provide joyful moments to patients with rare diseases and their families as 'Harley Angels', a social contribution activity of Harley-Davidson Korea.

◆ Why are they so passionate about 'motorcycles'?

The 'HOG' preparing for the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Grand Tour ride stands for Harley-Davidson® Owners Group. It has over 1.3 million members worldwide, including in Korea. [Harley-Davidson Korea]

Last month in Hoengseong, Gangwon Province, the largest annual event of Harley-Davidson's 'H.O.G'?the 'H.O.G Rally (24th 2022 Korea National H.O.G Rally)'?was held on the largest scale ever.

The unique engine sounds from 1,600 motorcycles ridden by 'H.O.G' members from all over the country created a spectacular scene at the event.

The outdoor party was lively with the resonance of intense rock music and motorcycle engine sounds that seemed to tear the ears.

On the large screen above the stage, dynamic motorcycle videos with strong beats and engine sounds overwhelmed the eyes and ears of the audience.

This exquisite harmony naturally raised heartbeats and stirred emotions.

Rock music performance held during the 'Hog Rally' event [Harley-Davidson Korea]

Almost all participants wore black leather jackets, Harley logos, and bandanas, expressing their individuality to the fullest.

It is difficult to rationally explain the attachment H.O.G members have for motorcycles.

They cite 'Design (Look)', 'Sound', and 'Feel' as the main reasons for their passion for motorcycles.

Therefore, they say they ride motorcycles with 'emotion'.

The distinctive loud engine sound called 'Harley Sound' is likened to an excited heartbeat.

Rider Jeong Hae-jin (58, Seoul) has enjoyed the motorcycle hobby since 2010 after being introduced to it through an acquaintance.

He defined motorcycles as "the freedom, passion, and romance of men all combined."

'Hog' Members Preparing for the Grand Tour Drive [Harley-Davidson Korea]

Another club member, Kim Jin-young (53, Suwon), said, "I've wanted to ride since my 20s. I've been riding a large bike for about six years. Just sitting on it looks cool, and it has a pulsating feeling... you know what I mean," expressing the emotional appeal of motorcycles.

Kim Jong-eok, president of the 20-year rider club (65, Pukyong Choice Club), ranked motorcycles as the best hobby among men.

He emphasized, "When you ride a bike, all the accumulated stress is completely relieved. Enjoying it with club members who share the same hobby and families in the same atmosphere couldn't be better."

Especially, "You can get along well with people in their 40s. You don't feel a generation gap. Whether young or old, it's inevitably a dream for all men," he said.

He added, "While riding, you see beautiful scenery, eat delicious food, and act as an ambassador introducing famous spots across regions. Spending my own money to boost the local economy makes me a patriot," he self-praised.

Like many riders, President Kim pledged to invest in himself while enjoying his hobby.

A 'HOG' member is taking a commemorative photo with their motorcycle. [Harley-Davidson Korea]

Rider Park Hyo-young (70, Busan) said, "Why is it a man's dream? Because there is no better hobby for refreshing your mood. When your heart feels empty, riding a bike changes your mood. Once you get hooked, you can never escape."

He, who has been active in the club for eight years, rode his motorcycle for 10 hours from Busan to Hoengseong to participate in this event.

He said, "Club activities allow you to visit places you haven't been to and places that are difficult to ride. The club has leaders, so riding together is safer and more fun."

He emphasized physical fitness, saying, "I'm 70 this year and plan to ride until 80. But I need to build up my stamina. You have to exercise a lot to ride a bike."

Riders met at the event stressed, "To change the perception of motorcycles in Korea, safety must come first, and laws must be followed well."

They agreed that "It's not about going fast, but reducing bike noise and attachments to avoid harming others requires riders' own efforts."

Lee Gye-woong, CEO of Harley-Davidson Korea (second from the right in the photo), is taking a commemorative photo with foreign 'H.O.G.' members who participated in the 'H.O.G. Rally.' [Harley-Davidson Korea]

◆ Turning opponents into allies

The number of motorcycle leisure enthusiasts in Korea is steadily increasing, but narrow-minded perceptions of motorcycles and two-wheeler regulations that do not fit road realities make it inconvenient to enjoy as a hobby.

Especially, opposition from family, including wives, is the biggest barrier to overcome.

Most riders confidently say that even wives who initially opposed eventually fall for the charm of motorcycles.

Rider Jeong Hae-jin said, "You can never ride just by thinking about it. Once you start, everything is solved. You have to just go for it (laughs). Now, I ride with my wife who once opposed it. I convinced her by showing good behavior while meeting other riders."

Rider Park Hyo-young said, "After riding once on the back seat, my wife now insists on coming along every weekend."

'Hog' members participating in the Grand Tour with their families on board [Harley-Davidson Korea]

President Kim Jong-eok also started riding after dozens of safety promises and persuasion to his initially opposing wife.

He said, "At first, the opposition was strong. I have seen many cases where men who ride bikes promise safe riding to their opposing wives."

President Kim added, "At some point, the wives of members also get opportunities to ride with their husbands, and then they want to join every time their husbands go riding. I've even seen cases where they ask for a bike."

Another member said, "My wife's opposition was strong, so I secretly rode after buying the bike and parking it in the apartment basement. After a few months, my wife found out but understood and encouraged me to ride safely."

The biggest reason for opposition was fear of accidents. Riders say, "We don't ride recklessly alone; we always ride with club members, follow laws and order well, so it's fun and much safer."

'Hog Rally' participant 'Hog' family [Harley-Davidson Korea]

Rider Noh Chang-geun said, "Riding has strengthened and improved our marital relationship. It also motivates vitality in life. For us, the bike hobby was the best choice."

He added, "If you want to find your life, I recommend trying it once. There will be people around you who discourage and oppose it, but living without regrets and unfulfilled hobbies is more important. If you show your family that it's safe and persuade them, there will be no difficulties with the bike hobby," he advised.

His wife said, "My husband said it was his wish, so I rode tandem (back seat) after one year. This is the second time, and it's so good. After my husband retired, he started riding and discovered a new world, and our leisure life changed a lot."

Many studies show that hobbies improve quality of life, happiness, and health. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people whose physical activity decreases, the effects are even more positive.

'Hog' members and their families are watching the motorcycle obstacle race 'Slalom.' [Harley-Davidson Korea]

The greatest enemy of modern people is stress. The only day to relieve accumulated stress is a holiday. Many people have various ways to spend their holidays.

Some start the week struggling due to overexertion during holidays. What are some ways to spend holidays meaningfully and romantically?

Relieving stress and spending time meaningfully is a great happiness.