Golf has become increasingly popular in South Korea, with nearly 17% of adults participating in the sport at least once last year. (Image courtesy of the Korea Golf Association)
SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – A comprehensive survey released on September 9 reveals that golf has become increasingly popular in South Korea, with nearly 17% of adults participating in the sport at least once last year.
The Korea Golf Association (KGA) conducted a nationwide study of 10,000 adults aged 20 to 70 across 17 cities and provinces. The results, published in the “2023 Korean Golf Index,” show that approximately 6.24 million people, or 16.9% of the country’s adult population, engaged in some form of golf activity in the previous year.
The survey categorized golf participation into three types: on-course play, off-course practice, and indoor screen golf. On-course play, which involves playing on an actual golf course, was by far the most common, accounting for 88.9% of participants.
Off-course practice at driving ranges came in second at 8.4%, while indoor screen golf, a virtual golf simulation experience, represented 2.7% of participants.
The number of on-course players reached 5.55 million in 2023, marking a significant 15% increase from 2021. This surge in participation has had a noticeable economic impact, with golfers reporting substantial monthly expenditures on their hobby.
On average, individuals spent 458,000 won per month on golf course fees, 229,000 won on driving range practice, and 176,000 won on indoor screen golf sessions.
The study also highlighted a growing interest in golf tourism among South Korean players. Nearly two-thirds (65.8%) of golf participants reported having played golf abroad.
The most popular destinations for international golf trips were Thailand (42.1%), the Philippines (32.2%), Vietnam (28%), Japan (26.1%), and China (14.3%).
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
Seeing golf become more popular in South Korea is fantastic! The 17% participation rate shows just how much the sport is resonating with people. It’s an exciting time for golf in the region, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.