Kolon Sport
Kolon Industries · South Korea
Kolon Sport is a South Korean outdoor brand operated by the FnC division of Kolon Industries. It opened its first store in 1973 and is described as Korea's first outdoor brand. It matters for its large Korean market presence and its push into China.
| First store | 1973, Seoul |
|---|---|
| Operator | Kolon Industries FnC division |
| Headquarters | Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| Segment | Sportswear and outdoor |
| China partner | Anta Group (joint venture, 2017) |
| Website | kolonsport.com |
What is Kolon Sport?
Kolon Sport is an outdoor apparel and equipment brand from South Korea. The brand site names its operator as the FnC division of Kolon Industries, with an address at 518 Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Kolon describes the FnC business as a fashion company founded in 1957 that runs more than 30 brands across outdoor, golf, menswear, womenswear and accessories, with Kolon Sport and G/FORE named as flagships.
History
According to Asia Economy, the brand opened its first store under the Kolon Sports name in Mugyo-dong, Seoul, in 1973 and is described as Korea's first outdoor brand. It marked its 50th anniversary in 2023 with an exhibition called Evergreen Energy. The Antarctica product, launched in 2012 and later made for the Korean Antarctic research institute, is cited as a landmark line.
Products and positioning
The website lists windbreakers, down and fleece jackets, vests, trousers and skirts, plus hiking, approach and trail running shoes. Accessories include caps, gloves and backpacks. Its tagline refers to technology for the coexistence of nature and people.
Business model and distribution
Kolon Sport sells through its own and department store locations and through Kolon Mall online. In 2017 the company formed a joint venture with China's Anta Group. In May 2023 it opened a flagship experience store in Shanghai, its first in China, and the article reported about 160 stores in China at that time, in department stores and malls in hub cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Plans to enter North America were also mentioned.
Why it matters
Kolon Sport is one of the leading Korean outdoor labels and an example of a domestic brand expanding abroad through a local partner.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Kolon Sport?
Kolon Sport is operated by the FnC division of Kolon Industries, a South Korean group. In China it works through a joint venture formed with Anta Group in 2017.
Where is Kolon Sport from?
Kolon Sport is from South Korea. It opened its first store in Mugyo-dong, Seoul, in 1973 and is described as Korea's first outdoor brand.