[One Day Walk] Playing Golf While Walking in a Nearby Park... Park Golf Course Popularity

The golf season has arrived. Although golf has become a popular sport, considering green fees, cart fees, and caddie fees, it remains an expensive sport. Park golf courses, where you can walk and play golf in a park near your home, are gaining popularity. As the term park golf combines "park" and "golf," it is created in urban parks or idle spaces so that people of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities, can enjoy it together. Unlike regular golf, park golf uses only one dedicated club from start to finish and hits a larger ball than regular golf. One hole ranges from 40 to 100 meters, which is shorter than regular golf holes (over 200 meters). Park golf is accessible, easy to learn, and easy to play. It is low-cost and provides exercise. Players stay close to nature, walk on grass, and it does not strain the body.

Citizens are enjoying park golf at Jamsil Park Golf Course. [Asia Economy DB]

The number of park golf courses nationwide increased from 226 in 2019 to 361 last year. There are five park golf courses in Seoul. The World Cup Park Golf Course in Sangam-dong is the only 18-hole course, while Hangang Park Golf Course, Jamsil Park Golf Course, Jungnangcheon Park Golf Course, and Seonam Park Golf Course each have 9 holes.

Most park golf courses close during the winter and operate from April to November. They are closed every Monday and on rainy days. The World Cup Park Golf Course is located on a 305,000㎡ site and consists of 18 holes (9 holes for the front nine and 9 holes for the back nine). The usage fee per person (based on playing 18 holes once) is 4,000 KRW for adults, 3,000 KRW for teenagers, and 2,000 KRW for children. Even if you do not have equipment, you can rent it on-site by paying 1,000 KRW, so anyone can use it.

Panoramic view of the World Cup Park Park Golf Course consisting of 18 holes [Asia Economy DB]

The Jamsil Park Golf Course has a total length of 500 meters and consists of 9 holes with varying difficulty levels. The usage fee for 2 hours is 4,000 KRW for adults, 3,000 KRW for teenagers, and 2,000 KRW for children on weekdays. Weekend fees are 30% higher than weekday fees. Reservations are accepted online in advance, but winning a spot is as difficult as catching a star in the sky.