Golf Course Users in Korea Decline... Down 1 Million from Last Year
by Roh Woolae
Published 18 Mar.2026 10:33(KST)
Updated 19 Mar.2026 07:29(KST)
Korea Golf Course Management Association Announces Nationwide Golf Course and Visitor Figures
Number of Domestic Golf Course Visitors Declines for Third Consecutive Year
As of January 1 This Year, 546 Golf Courses Nationwide
The number of visitors to domestic golf courses has declined for three consecutive years.
On March 18, the Korea Golf Course Management Association announced that approximately 46.41 million people visited 524 golf courses nationwide between January 1 and December 31 last year. This figure represents a decrease of about 1 million people (2.1%) compared to the previous year.
The number of visitors to domestic golf courses has decreased for three consecutive years, according to the Korea Golf Course Management Association.
원본보기 아이콘The number of visitors to domestic golf courses had reached 50.58 million in 2022, benefiting from the COVID-19 boom, but has since entered a downward trend. The number fell to 47.72 million in 2023 and further declined to 47.41 million in 2024. The association stated, "The number of golf course visitors increased following the spread of COVID-19 but has since declined." However, it added, "The figure still remains at a high level, exceeding 46 million."
According to the survey, 14.57 million visitors used 152 membership-based golf courses, while 31.84 million visited 372 non-membership-based courses. The average number of visitors per hole was 4,430, a decrease of 127 people compared to the previous year's 4,557.
By golf course type, the average number of visitors per hole was 4,199 for membership-based courses and 4,544 for non-membership-based courses, indicating a relatively higher usage density at non-membership-based venues. When converted to an 18-hole basis, the average number of visitors per course was 75,582 for membership-based courses and 81,792 for non-membership-based courses.
As of January 1 this year, the total number of golf courses nationwide was counted at 546. Of these, 527 are currently in operation (152 membership-based and 375 non-membership-based), 11 are under construction, and 8 have not yet started construction. More detailed information on the number of visitors and the status of golf courses by region can be found on the association's website.
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