In 2024 alone, 553 fitness centres closed -- a 26.8 % increase from the previous year and the highest number recorded since data collection began in 1990.

Kim Min-young, a white-collar office worker said that in light of the start of golf season - which customarily runs from April to September - she recently spent some 700,000 won ($523) on clothes from the newly released spring and summer collection launched by her favourite golf wear brand.