Chabak: car camping redefined for Brits

From tent pitching to fire making, camping has long been an activity for the adventurous. However, new research reveals that Brits are seeking new ways to blend their love for the outdoors with modern comforts. 60% of the 2,000 UK adults surveyed admitted they would not consider a traditional camping holiday, and on average, the last time they pitched a tent was… eight years ago.^[1]

The research, conducted by Hyundai, also revealed that 51% of Brits have a growing interest in road trips, with 46% admitting they find themselves planning for more outdoor adventures post-COVID 19.

However, there are new bare necessities on the block, with modern adventurers now prioritising amenities such as WiFi (82%), toilets and showers (51%), and creature comforts like cozy cushions and access to a kettle (37%). Over half (55%) of those surveyed also listed their preference for home comforts as a key reason for seeking new ways to explore the outdoors.

Enter Chabak, the innovative Korean car camping trend that offers a solution to modern holidaymakers. Chabak, which involves camping in and around your car, provides the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and adventure. This trend not only caters to the need for home comforts but also makes holidaying more flexible.

Whether it’s the spontaneity of changing destinations or setting up camp in a matter of minutes, Chabak allows travellers to easily adapt their plans on the go. And with 27% citing set up time as something that puts them off traditional camping, this new way to holiday means you can go from road to retreat in a matter of minutes.  

Chabak is the latest in a series of Korean influences, or the “Korean wave,” sweeping the UK. From K-pop, Korean skincare routines and Korean food, the UK has embraced numerous Korean cultural exports, with Chabak set to be the next big thing. Not only has Chabak changed how Koreans enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also changed how they drive, with 70% of new car sales in South Korea being SUVs in 2022.

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe epitomises this shift. Designed during lockdown, it was conceived with the vision of escaping into nature, while enjoying all the comforts of home.

“We understood that people were seeking new and safe ways to travel during the lockdown,” says Eduardo Ramírez, Chief Designer at Hyundai Design Center Europe. “The inspiration for the Santa Fe was to create a vehicle that’s not just transport but a gateway to adventure—a private retreat on wheels that combines home comforts with the great outdoors.

“Designed from the inside out, our focus was on creating a large interior space. Using a ‘Low Poly’ design language inspired by the gaming industry, we achieved that whilst also creating large exterior surfaces which allow for great space on the roof. The wide tailgate also provides a terrace-like view from the car, making it perfect for any journey, whether it’s a weekend escape or a long-awaited countryside adventure. The Santa Fe blends functionality with aesthetics, offering an exciting and comfortable travel experience.”

Car camping spots across the UK can now be enjoyed with the comfort and convenience of modern SUVs like the Santa Fe, providing an ideal blend of adventure and home comforts. The spacious interiors and innovative features of these vehicles make them perfect for a Chabak experience, giving holidaymakers the freedom to explore without compromising on comfort. You can even collapse the seats at the push of a button, providing a completely level sleeping surface.  

Visit your local Hyundai retailer to see the Santa Fe in person. To find more about Chabak, please visit: https://www.hyundai.com/uk/en/exploring-chabak.html

^[1] From those that listed they had previously been camping or glamping before, they were asked when the last time they went was.