Korea Gallup Survey Ranks 8th Most Enjoyed Hobby
First Time in Top 10 Since 2004
Mass Influx of Golfers After COVID-19
Top 5 Exercise for Men and Women Aged 30 and Over
Golf is gradually establishing itself as a popular sport.
It has entered the 'Top 10' hobbies most enjoyed by Koreans. This is the result of a survey conducted by Gallup Korea this year targeting 1,777 people aged 13 and older. When asked, "What is your favorite hobby?" golf ranked 8th (4.1%). Since Gallup Korea began this survey in 2004, golf has entered the top 10 for the first time.
Looking at domestic hobbies, gaming is overwhelmingly in 1st place (9%). Exercise/fitness and hiking share 2nd place (7%), watching videos such as TV, YouTube, and OTT services is 4th (6%), walking is 5th (4.8%), music listening is 6th (4.4%), and reading is 7th (4.5%). Golf surpassed fishing (3.6%) and traveling (3.2%). Hiking has been declining in popularity since peaking in 2014, losing its top spot for the first time. As recently as 2019, hiking was considered the best hobby among men and women over their 40s.
Until now, golf was far from being a mass sport. In 1992, 72% of Korean adults considered golf a luxurious sport. Even in 2013, 48% expressed negative opinions about golf, but since 2018, that percentage has dropped to the mid-30s.
The golf population surged rapidly after COVID-19. This was because it is a relatively safe outdoor sport. Also, a large number of "gollini" (Golf + children), who take and post photos at golf courses, appeared. There were difficulties booking not only in the capital but also in provincial areas.
Perceptions of golf have also gradually changed. As of 2022, about half of adults showed a favorable response toward golf. The opinions "I know how to play golf" (34%) and "I intend to learn in the future" (21%) were relatively high. These figures indicate that golf is receiving much love from the public. Except for the 19-29 age group, golf entered the 'Top 5' in all age groups. For men, it ranked 3rd in their 30s, 2nd in their 40s, 1st in their 50s, and 4th in their 60s. For women, it ranked 4th in their 30s and 40s, 3rd in their 50s, and 5th in their 60s.
Golf ranked 4th (6.2%) among sports enjoyed by Koreans. Walking was 1st (14%), soccer 2nd (11%), and fitness 3rd (6.3%). Golf's figure is higher than hiking (5.8%), badminton and yoga (both 3.9%), swimming (3.8%), running (3.4%), and baseball (2.7%).
However, golf is still not an easily accessible sport for the general public. First, the cost is considerable. The perception that it is a sport for the upper class remains strong. Data from Hana Bank's Hana Financial Management Research Institute also reflects the 'love' wealthy people have for golf. In the '2024 Korea Wealth Report,' golf ranked 2nd (41.9%) among hobbies of the wealthy. Walking was 1st (65.4%), followed by fitness (35.9%), cultural and artistic activities such as performances and exhibitions (30.6%), and cooking (20.7%).
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