Appearing on Every Page of Korean Golf History... Oldest Member is 102 Years Old

[Golf Course Story] ① - Seoul·Hanyang Country Club

The place where the golf course was created... In 1972, 'Two Families Under One Roof' merged
Maximizing natural conditions... Spectacular spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage
Arnold Palmer's visit... Major events like the Asian Games

'The Cradle of Korean Golf.'

At the entrance road of Seoul·Hanyang Country Club (CC) in Wondang-dong, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province, there stands a large signstone engraved with this phrase. It symbolizes the place where Korea's first golf course, Seoul CC, established after liberation, and the country's first commercial golf course, Hanyang CC, coexist, marking the birthplace of golf courses in Korea. After the winter break, Seoul·Hanyang CC reopened on the 3rd, where golfers were peacefully enjoying rounds with the backdrop of the Bukhansan foothills.

Signboard stone standing at the entrance road of Seoul·Hanyang Country Club (CC)

Two Families Under One Roof: 'Hanyang·Seoul CC'

The golf course that first settled at the foot of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site 'Seosamneung' is Hanyang CC. It opened in September 1964 with 18 holes. Later, in 1970, it expanded by 18 holes to become the country's first 36-hole golf course. Seoul CC originated from the Kyungsung Golf Club established in 1924 during the Japanese colonial period. In 1930, it opened the first official 18-hole course in Gunja-ri (present-day Gwangjin-gu, Seoul), and after restoration work following the Korean War, the Gunja-ri course reopened with 18 holes in July 1954. In 1972, as Children's Grand Park was planned to be built on the Gunja-ri course, Seoul CC acquired 100% of the shares of the well-located Hanyang CC and has maintained a 'two families under one roof' system at the current course.

Next year, Seoul CC will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its corporate establishment and opening, while Hanyang CC will mark its 60th anniversary. As a historic golf course, the facilities exude an old-world charm throughout. At the entrance of the clubhouse, designed with a European mountain lodge concept, trophies and golf clubs bearing the marks of time are displayed. A fireplace is also placed in one corner of the lobby. Wooden furniture used in meeting spaces, such as tables and chairs, retains the form and design from decades ago.

The golf courses at Seoul and Hanyang CC, which make the most of natural conditions, offer sights of blooming flowers in every season and autumn foliage.
[Photo by Seoul and Hanyang CC]

The Hanyang CC golf course was designed by Ahn Jung-hee, president of the Grand Hotel at the time, and Korea's first professional golfer, Yeon Deok-chun. According to the golf course history book published by Seoul·Hanyang CC, Pro Yeon recalled, "There were no maps indicating terrain elevations or course design plans. We used a hemp rope to mark 'this is the fairway, that side is the green,' and designed the course on-site by eye."

Despite the lack of surveying technology and equipment, the Seoul·Hanyang CC golf course maximizes natural conditions through manual work, harmonizing well with the surrounding scenery. The site was developed within a 560,000-pyeong (approximately 1.85 million square meters) pine forest, making it lush with trees, and seasonal flowers add to the visual appeal. The old course's 10th hole is famous for its cherry blossom tunnel along the cart path in spring and close-up views of autumn foliage, making it a popular course. Pyo Jae-seong, head of Seoul·Hanyang CC headquarters, said, "Last year, the green speed at the club championship exceeded 3.5 meters, reflecting excellent turf management, which has resulted in high member satisfaction."

Golf tournaments boasting history and tradition have also been linked with Seoul·Hanyang CC. The Korea Amateur Golf Championship, where Presidents Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee awarded winners, was held at Seoul CC from the first tournament through the 15th. In 1958, the Korea Open Golf Championship, open to both professional and amateur golfers, was launched; Seoul CC hosted the most with 18 events, and Hanyang CC hosted 12. The golf events of the 1986 Seoul Asian Games were also held here. In 1983, the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer (USA) played an exhibition match during his visit to Seoul·Hanyang CC, and in 1993, Ernie Els (South Africa), a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, also visited, among other notable figures.

Active Even at 90... High Member Pride

As of last year, there are a total of 2,684 members holding Seoul·Hanyang CC memberships. Seoul CC has 1,194 members, and Hanyang CC has 1,490. A notable feature is the high proportion of senior members, reflecting the golf course's long history. The average age exceeds 70. Several members over 90 years old still regularly enjoy rounds. Among Seoul CC membership holders, 39 are over 90, and Hanyang CC has 27, meaning about one in 40 golfers is elderly. The oldest member was born in 1922 and is over 100 years old.

Head Pyo said, "Because of its proximity to Seoul, good accessibility, and symbolic status as the country's first golf course, many members have held memberships for over 50 years, and there are quite a few who inherit memberships across generations. Their pride is exceptional, so even if they sell memberships at other golf courses, many retain this one until the end," he revealed.

Membership qualifications are also clearly defined. Not everyone can join just by purchasing a membership. Three existing full members must recommend the applicant, and after applying, the candidate undergoes document screening, a two-week public notice, and a round of play with existing members for evaluation. The golf course explains that this process aims to distinguish those who might be socially criticized or disrupt member camaraderie, and to promote qualitative improvements such as golf manners, thereby fostering a healthy golf culture.

Seoul·Hanyang CC has expanded its facilities by opening Hanyang Pine CC, a 9-hole public golf course, in 2015, and establishing a golf practice range with 60 bays in 2018. The clubhouse, expanded and renovated in 1985, is also undergoing reconstruction to improve safety and usability. Head Pyo said, "To highlight the tradition of the golf course and enhance members' pride, we plan to create a history museum to collect and preserve related materials from the early days."