Abstract
This paper aims to identify the similarities and differences of color preference for mountain climbing wear according to gender, season and item. Total of 749 photos of mountain climbers were taken in 2009 during weekends in May and October at two mountains in Seoul. In order to analyze color by hue and tone, all the data were digitalized using Photoshop and converted to HV/C by using the Munsell Conversion software. For the purpose of data analysis, 13 colors of hue, including 10 base colors of the Munsel color system plus white, gray and black, and 12 tones of PCCS were grouped into 5 groups according to close distance. Jumper, t-shirts, vest and pants were selected as the 4 item categories. Results showed that there were clear differences in color preference based on gender. Women, with a preference for red, reddish purple, black, purple and blue, displayed wider range of choices in color as compared to men, who preferred black and blue color throughout all seasons. Yellow, green, and greenish blue were less preferred by both men and women. For pants, black represented over 90% as the main color for both genders. Overall, men preferred dark tones and women preferred vivid and bright tones. Moreover, there were less distinct differences in color preference according to season and item.