A golf course on Jeju Island (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
JEJU, Apr. 17 (Korea Bizwire) – Golf courses on Jeju Island, South Korea, which thrived during the Covid-19 pandemic, are now grappling with a significant decrease in the number of visitors, according to data released by the Jeju Provincial Government on April 16.
After surpassing the 2 million mark in 2019 with 2.09 million visitors, Jeju’s golf courses experienced a surge during the pandemic, recording 2.38 million visitors in 2020, peaking at 2.89 million in 2021, and dipping slightly to 2.82 million in 2022.
However, this upward trajectory took a turn last year, with the number of golf course visitors dropping to 2.41 million, a level comparable to 2020.
During the pandemic, when international travel was restricted, domestic demand for golf courses on Jeju skyrocketed, leading to the phrase “booking a tee time on Jeju is as difficult as reaching for the stars in the sky.”
But as Covid-19 transitioned into an endemic phase and overseas travel resumed, demand has become more dispersed, leading to a noticeable decline in the number of visitors to Jeju’s golf courses.
Adding to the challenges, golf course operators on the island have cited the rising costs of pesticides, fertilizers, and other expenses as a burden on their operations due to inflation.
The concerning aspect is that this downward trend in golf course visitors is expected to intensify further.
Currently, green fees excluding cart and food and beverage costs range from 100,000 to 280,000 won on weekdays and a minimum of 150,000 won on weekends, remaining at the elevated levels seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In response, the Jeju Provincial Government held a meeting with local golf course operators on April 15, proposing various discount programs, including resident-exclusive rates, seasonal discounts, and reduced fees for those who contribute to the “Hometown Love Donation” program.
The provincial government also plans to attract international golf exhibitions, introduce local golf tournaments, and develop tourism products linked to golf.
Kim Yang-bo, the director of the Jeju Provincial Government’s Culture, Sports, and Education Bureau, stated, “We will continue to cooperate to ensure that the golf industry coexists harmoniously with the local community and becomes an industry beloved by both residents and tourists.”
Jeju Island currently has around 30 golf courses operating under membership and non-membership models.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
