Camping in Korea: Glamping vs traditional sites for travelers 2026

For international travelers deciding between glamping and traditional camping in Korea, the choice ultimately depends on your access to equipment and your desire for convenience versus authenticity. Glamping (Glamorous Camping) in Korea offers a hotel-like experience with pre-set tents, beds, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms, making it ideal for short-term visitors without gear. Traditional Camping (Auto-Camping) provides a designated plot of land (deck or gravel) with electricity hookups but requires you to bring 100% of your own equipment, offering a significantly cheaper and more communal experience.

The short answer: Glamping is the best choice for travelers without cars or gear, costing between ₩150,000 and ₩350,000 per night, while traditional camping offers a deeper cultural immersion for residents or long-term travelers at a budget-friendly ₩30,000 to ₩60,000 per night.

The Korean Camping Boom: 2026 Context

Camping in Korea has evolved from a niche hobby into a massive lifestyle trend, often referred to as "Cam-ping" (캠핑). As of 2026, the industry has matured significantly following the surge in outdoor activities over the last five years. It is no longer just about sleeping outside; it is about "Sensibility Camping" (Gamseong Camping), where the aesthetic appeal of your setup is just as important as the function.

The market has bifurcated into two distinct streams. On one side, you have high-end glamping resorts near Seoul—specifically in Gapyeong and Pocheon—that rival 5-star hotels. On the other, you have the "Chabak" (car camping) and Auto-Camping enthusiasts who invest heavily in brands like Snow Peak and Helinox to create elaborate outdoor living rooms.

If you are visiting Korea for a short time, understanding these distinct cultures is vital to avoiding disappointment. A "campsite" in Korea is rarely a secluded spot in the wilderness; it is a highly organized, socially regulated community space.

Glamping in Korea: The Luxury Option

For 90% of international visitors, glamping is the logical choice. It bypasses the logistical nightmare of renting gear and transporting it via public transit. Korean glamping sites are exceptionally well-equipped. Unlike the rustic canvas tents found in some Western countries, Korean glamping units often function as "soft-walled cabins."

What to Expect

In 2026, a standard glamping unit in a popular area like Gapyeong (approx. 60km east of Seoul) includes:

• Climate Control: Ondol (floor heating) for winter and powerful air conditioning for summer.
• Private Sanitation: A private toilet and shower inside the tent (in about 70% of luxury sites).
• Cooking: A dedicated BBQ deck with a charcoal grill (usually an extra ₩20,000-₩30,000 fee).
• Tech: High-speed Wi-Fi and often a projector for watching movies.

The "Body-Only" Concept

Koreans often use the phrase "Mom-man gamyeon dwae" (You only need to bring your body). This is the essence of glamping here. Many high-end sites even offer "BBQ Sets" where, for an additional ₩50,000 to ₩80,000 for two people, they provide the pork belly (Samgyeopsal), vegetables, kimchi, rice, and dipping sauces.

Traditional Sites: Auto-Camping Culture

"Auto-Camping" in Korea refers to driving your car right up to your designated campsite (or very close to it) and setting up a tent. This is distinct from "wild camping," which is heavily restricted in Korea.

The Infrastructure

Korean Auto-Camping sites are incredibly convenient compared to many Western counterparts.

• Electricity: almost every site offers electric hookups (usually 600W limit per site).
• Flooring: Sites are usually divided into "Deck" (wooden platform) or "Paseok" (crushed gravel). Decks are preferred for cleanliness but may require special anchor pegs.
• Facilities: Communal kitchens with sinks, microwaves, and hot water are standard.

The Challenge for Travelers

The barrier to entry for Auto-Camping is equipment. You cannot easily rent a full camping set (tent, sleeping bag, mat, chairs, table, stove, lantern) at the campsite itself. While some rental shops exist in Seoul, hauling 20kg of gear on the subway is physically demanding.

If you are an expat living in Korea, however, this is the way to go. You can find excellent gear at entry-level prices at Daiso (for accessories) or Decathlon, before upgrading to premium brands.

Cost Comparison: The Financial Breakdown

Let's look at the hard numbers for a 1-night trip for two people in 2026. This assumes you are traveling from Seoul to a site within Gyeonggi-do province (approx. 1-2 hours away).

As you can see, if you have to rent gear, the price gap narrows significantly. Auto-camping only becomes financially superior if you own your gear or plan to camp multiple times during your stay.

Booking and "Picketting"

Booking a popular campsite in Korea is competitive. The phenomenon is called "Picketting" (Piano + Ticketing), referring to the speed required to secure a spot.

For those struggling with the language barrier, we recommend checking our guide on best apps for English speakers to understand the UI logic of Korean booking systems.

The Culture of "Manner Time"

This is perhaps the most critical cultural aspect to understand. Manner Time (매너타임) is the designated quiet time, usually starting at 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.

In many Western countries, camping implies drinking around a fire until 2:00 AM. In Korea, campsites are often family-oriented. Once Manner Time hits, campsite hosts (Camjigi) will patrol. Lights must be dimmed, and voices reduced to a whisper. If you are loud, you will be evicted.

Best Seasons and Weather Considerations

Korea has four distinct seasons, and your camping experience will vary wildly depending on when you visit.

1. Spring (April - May): The most popular season. You can camp under cherry blossoms. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.
2. Summer (June - August): Hot, humid, and monsoon rains (Jangma). Glamping with AC is essential. Traditional camping can be miserable due to high humidity and mosquitoes.
3. Autumn (September - November): The "Golden Season." Crisp air, red autumn foliage, and no bugs. This is the peak time for "Bulmeong" (Fire Gazing). Check our guide to autumn colors for the best scenic spots.
4. Winter (December - March): Only for hardcore campers ("Dong-gye Camping"). Temperatures drop to -15°C. Glamping is still viable if the heating is good.

Food: The Heart of Korean Camping

Camping in Korea is 70% about eating. The standard itinerary involves arriving, setting up, eating lunch, resting, and then starting the BBQ for dinner.

Must-Try Camping Foods:

• Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly): The gold standard.
• Ramyeon: Eaten usually the next morning for breakfast.
• Marshmallows: A Western import that has become trendy for roasting.
• Sweet Potatoes: Wrapped in foil and thrown into the embers of your fire pit.

For a deeper dive into Korean BBQ culture, read our article on best Korean BBQ restaurants, as the grilling techniques used there apply perfectly to camping.

Getting There: Transportation Options

Most campsites are in Gyeonggi-do (Gapyeong, Pocheon, Yangpyeong) or Gangwon-do (Chuncheon, Hongcheon).

1. Rental Car: The best option. Use Lotte Rent-a-Car or Socar (if you have a resident ID).
2. Taxi: You can take the ITX train to Gapyeong Station and then a taxi (approx. 15-20 mins) to most glamping sites.
3. Public Bus: Intercity buses run to terminals, but you will likely need a taxi for the "last mile."

If you are considering driving, ensure you are familiar with local rules. Our guide on buying a used car offers insights into vehicle types suitable for rugged terrain if you plan to stay long-term.

Recommended Routes: A Dual Experience

If you have 24 hours to spare, here is how you can structure a trip to Gapyeong, the camping capital of Korea.

Pros and Cons Summary

To help you make your final decision, here is a balanced look at both options.

Conclusion

In 2026, the choice between glamping and traditional camping in Korea is largely defined by your budget and your desire for comfort. For most short-term travelers, Glamping offers a unique, stress-free way to experience the Korean countryside without the burden of logistics. It captures the "aesthetic" of camping that is so popular on Korean social media, while ensuring you get a good night's sleep.

However, if you are an expat or a long-term traveler looking to make local friends and save money, investing in a basic camping setup and hitting the Auto-Camping sites is a rewarding adventure. Just remember to respect the "Manner Time"—it is the golden rule that keeps the Korean camping community harmonious.

For more ideas on escaping the city, check out our guide to best weekend getaways for expats.