Z-Generation Falls for 'Experience Shopping' — From DIY 'Pen-Kku' to Department-Store Escape Rooms
Creatrip Team
25 days ago
Young Koreans, especially Gen Z, are driving an "experience economy" in Seoul, favoring tactile, Instagrammable activities over simple transactions. Popular spots like Dongdaemun’s 5th-floor accessory market draw crowds to customize phone cases, keyrings, and jelly shoes — a trend reflected in a 10% daytime population rise and steep growth in teens and twenties. Brands and retailers respond with pop-ups, interactive exhibits and themed events (e.g., a K-daily escape-room festival at Lotte Department Store) to boost dwell time and sales. Major firms from Mercedes-Benz to local retailers now prioritize hands-on experiences as a marketing formula to engage digital-native consumers who enjoy sharing these moments on social media.
