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Birdwatching takes off among young Koreans

As you stroll among the trees, you hear a rustle and stop to listen. You raise your binoculars and quietly scan the spot where the sound came from. After waiting patiently, you may finally catch a glimpse of something rarely encountered in everyday life: a small, precious bird. Birdwatching, or birding, is emerging as a new hobby among Korea’s millennials and Gen Z. Until recently, it was largely…

Birdwatching takes off among young Koreans

In Korea, birdwatching, or "birding," is gaining popularity among younger generations, particularly millennials and Generation Z. Traditionally considered a pastime for older individuals, birdwatching required expensive gear and specialized knowledge. However, with the rise of smartphones, the activity has become accessible to almost anyone.

Celebrities such as actress Kim Tae-ri, author Chung Se-rang, and model Lee So-ra have shared their enthusiasm for birdwatching, contributing to its newfound status as a trendy hobby. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this trend, as people turned to smartphones and social media for entertainment during lockdowns.

On Instagram, the hashtag "#birdwatching" has garnered approximately 144,000 posts, while "#birdwatching records" has over 17,000, and "#birdwatching life" has around 14,000. This surge in content demonstrates the growing interest and engagement in this unique and rewarding hobby among Korea's youth.

Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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