‘Juyuso (周遊) Station’ Raid Incident ... Did the ‘Ugong (牛公)’ Come for Rounding?

Herd of Free-Roaming Cattle Occupies Golf Course in Changwon, Gyeongnam
Occasionally Visiting for 3 Years, Trampling Fairways and Defecating

On the 20th, cows gathered and played at a golf course in Changwon-si, Gyeongnam. [Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] (Cattle herd) Moo~. Shall we rest here for a bit? (Golfer) Why are you guys coming out here?

In Changwon, Gyeongnam, a commotion broke out as a herd of ‘Ugong (牛公)’ cattle flooded and occupied a golf course, causing citizens enjoying golf to stop their games and evacuate.

According to golf course officials and Gyeongnam fire authorities on the 22nd, around 5:55 PM on the 20th, about ten yellow cows suddenly rushed into the golf course.

The cattle trotted around, stepping on the grass-covered fairways. Firefighters who responded to the report arrived and, together with staff, drove them out, and after about 30 minutes, the herd leisurely left the area.

The spots where the cattle trod were pressed down and left with droppings, causing headaches for the golf course management.

This outing by the Ugong was not the first. The golf course officials said, “Since opening the golf course three years ago, herds of cattle have come in and stirred things up about two or three times a month.”

The number of cattle has increased compared to three years ago, and recently calves that had not been seen before have also been ‘making appearances.’

The main culprits behind the ‘golf course invasion incident’ are known to be cattle raised by a nearby resident who lets them graze freely.

For these free-grazing cattle, a golf course suddenly appeared where their ancestral yard used to be their playground.

The golf course management does not look kindly on the Ugong who damage the fairways and occasionally disrupt customers’ rounds. However, they are reluctant to build fences or file for damages.

The fire authorities said, “There are frequent incidents where herds of cattle occupy golf courses or nearby roads, and we respond, but since it is private property, there is no effective way other than driving the cattle away.”

In one way or another, three years have passed without finding a good solution.