Global Economic Times

“Swapping Smartphones for Knitting Needles”: Why Gen Z is Falling for the ‘Slow Hobby’ of Knitting: Global Economic Times Reporter / Updated : 2026-01-06 04:05:13

The Digital Detox: Finding Zen in Every Stitch
In an era dominated by high-speed internet and instant gratification, a surprising trend is unfolding across Gangwon Province: the resurgence of knitting. Once dismissed as a pastime for older generations, the "analog" craft of knitting has captured the hearts of the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z), who are increasingly seeking a "slow life" to counter digital burnout.

Lee Se-rin (23), a college senior in Chuncheon, has become a "knitting enthusiast." Between the pressures of job hunting and academic deadlines, she finds solace in the rhythmic clicking of needles. "Knitting allows me to see the direct results of my effort. It brings a sense of peace and boosts my self-confidence in a way that scrolling through a smartphone never could," Lee shared, showcasing a handmade bag she recently completed.

From Hobbies to Professional Credentials
The demographic shift is palpable in local workshops. Knitting studios in Chuncheon, which previously catered mostly to women in their 50s and 60s, are now seeing a steady stream of people in their 20s and 30s. "We receive two to three inquiries from young people every week," said one local studio owner. "Many start with a simple 'one-day class' but end up staying to earn professional knitting certifications."

This trend is also fostering a new wave of community building. Last year, a post on a popular secondhand marketplace app titled "Looking for 20-somethings to knit with in Chuncheon" gained significant traction, surpassing 70 views in a few days—a high engagement for a niche local gathering.

Why Knitting? The Psychology of Slowness
Experts suggest that the popularity of knitting is a defensive mechanism against the "perpetual busyness" of modern life. Unlike the intangible and often fleeting nature of digital content, knitting offers a tactile, physical product. This phenomenon is often referred to as "Dopamine Fasting" or "Digital Detox," where individuals intentionally engage in slow activities to reset their overstimulated brains.

Lee Hong-joo, a professor of Consumer Economic Science at Sookmyung Women's University, explains: "The MZ generation is exhausted by the rapid changes and constant connectivity of the digital environment. They find psychological stability and satisfaction in knitting because it is a slow process that guarantees a tangible, certain outcome."

The Rise of "Knit-tainmnet"
The market is quickly adapting to this cultural shift. Major cinema chains, such as CGV, have introduced "Knitting Screenings," where the theater lights are kept slightly dimmed—rather than pitch black—to allow audiences to knit while watching a movie. Additionally, "Knitting Kits" featuring trendy designs like "chunky yarn bags" and "crochet balaclavas" are flying off the shelves of online retailers, fueled by viral "Work-in-Progress" (WIP) posts on Instagram and TikTok.

As the "Slow Life" movement continues to grow, knitting is evolving from a mere craft into a form of mental therapy for a generation trying to find its own pace in a fast-forward world.