The Korean market for outdoor gear and clothing was expected to continue growing on the burgeoning demand for outdoor activities, Samsung Fashion Institute said Sunday.

This year, the market for such products is expected to grow to 6.4 trillion won, up 11 percent from 2012, the think tank said in a forecast.

Last year, the market had reached 5.75 trillion won, up from 4.35 trillion won in 2011 and 3.25 trillion won in 2010.

Major outdoor brands have vowed to take advantage of the situation to aggressively increase sales this year.

The North Face, the No. 1 brand, is aiming for 700 billion won this year, while Kolon Sport, the next in line, is targeting 680 billion won. At third place, K2 said it planned to sell at least 650 billion won worth of gear and clothing this year.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)