As autumn deepens, sporting enthusiasm continues to rise on South Korea's e-commerce platform Gmarket. September sales data reveals significant growth across outdoor sports categories, driven by both tournament effects and evolving consumer demographics. The numbers paint a vivid picture of Korea's dynamic sports retail landscape.
Baseball: Championship Euphoria Fuels Record Sales
The conclusion of Korea's baseball season with SSG Landers' championship victory ignited an 80% overall sales surge in baseball equipment. Leading categories included baseball bags (+160%) and bats (+46%), while specialized catcher gear like chest protectors saw a 124% increase , signaling growing demand for professional-grade equipment.
Apparel categories experienced explosive growth: baseball shoes (+53%), gloves (+50%), caps (+102%), uniforms (+509%), and undergarments (+722%) collectively rose 235% . Game-day merchandise, including cheering accessories, jumped 185% , demonstrating live sports' direct economic impact.
Soccer: Diversification Drives Steady Growth
Soccer equipment maintained 45% overall growth , with goalkeeper gloves (+95%), soccer socks (+142%), and specialized gloves (+125%) highlighting consumers' focus on protective gear. Indoor soccer shoes (+281%) and vests (+123%) reflected the sport's growing indoor popularity, while sepak takraw (net soccer) equipment emerged as a surprising growth segment.
Tennis & Badminton: The MZ Generation's Fashionable Obsession
Sports favored by Korea's MZ generation (born 1980s-2000s) showed remarkable momentum. Tennis apparel skyrocketed 1000% with bags increasing 198% , underscoring the sport's social appeal. Badminton saw uniforms rise 195% , shoes (+90%), bags (+120%), and rackets (+57%). Notably, squash rackets (+176%) and protective goggles (+600%) signaled potential for niche racquet sports.
Skiing: Winter Preparations Begin Early
Pre-winter demand pushed skiing equipment up 75% overall , with standout growth in ski boots (+500%), edge protectors (+200%), and ski plates (+50%). Snow jackets, protective harnesses, and specialized socks also gained traction, suggesting consumers are preparing earlier for winter sports.
Market Outlook
Gmarket's September data reveals a sports retail sector thriving through tournament excitement, generational preferences, and seasonal anticipation. As health consciousness grows and equipment innovation continues, Korea's sports market appears poised for sustained expansion across both traditional and emerging categories.