"No Worries About Weather, Stamina, or Cost: Screen Park Golf Courses Rising in Subway Commercial Spaces"

Screen Park Golf Courses are being established within Seoul subway stations. Subway commercial areas are being transformed into indoor sports spaces, drawing attention as a new model that simultaneously addresses senior welfare and urban leisure demand.

Sangdo Station Screen Park Golf Course. Provided by Dongjak District.

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Seongbuk-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Dongjak-gu have collaborated with Seoul Metro to create Screen Park Golf Courses at three locations: Seokgye Station on Lines 1 and 6, Samgakji Station on Lines 4 and 6, and Sangdo Station on Line 7. Seokgye Station officially opened on February 2, Sangdo Station began official operations on April 7, and Samgakji Station will undergo a trial run throughout April and officially open in May.

The operation model is a three-party partnership: the Seoul Metropolitan Government subsidizes facility installation and construction costs, district offices build and operate the facilities, and Seoul Metro provides the space at a rent lower than the market rate. Rental contracts are made in five-year terms, and Seoul Metro is expected to generate about 93 million won in annual rental income from the three locations.

The facilities vary in size: Seokgye Station is 221 square meters with five hitting bays, Samgakji Station is 258 square meters with five hitting bays, and Sangdo Station is 112 square meters with three hitting bays. Usage fees are also different: at Seokgye Station, it is 3,500 won per person on weekdays and 4,500 won on weekends; at Samgakji Station, Seongbuk-gu residents pay 4,000 won per person and non-residents pay 8,000 won; at Sangdo Station, the fee is 4,000 won, but Dongjak-gu residents receive a 50% discount, bringing it to 2,000 won. To prevent monopolization at Sangdo Station, individuals are limited to using the facility twice per week.

The reason why Screen Park Golf is well-suited to subway commercial spaces is accessibility. People can enjoy a game as part of their public transit routine, and play sessions are not lengthy, making it convenient and easy. For seniors who may have difficulty driving, the direct connection from the subway to the facility is a major advantage.

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The design specifically targets senior demand. Park golf was originally focused on walking and light swings, which is easy on the joints, and the screen-based format further reduces physical strain by eliminating course walking altogether. The rules are simple and the equipment is compact, lowering the barrier to entry for beginners. During the trial operation at Seokgye Station, visitors commented, "It's convenient to use because of the good accessibility," and, "I hope it expands to other unused spaces," reflecting this sentiment.

From the perspective of local districts, utilizing unused subway spaces is a practical choice. Outdoor park golf courses face challenges such as securing land, environmental complaints, and administrative procedures, but using commercial areas inside subway stations avoids all these obstacles at once.

Lee Seungro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, stated, "We have converted unused subway spaces into sports facilities, increasing accessibility and activity levels." Heeyoung Park, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, also said, "We have transformed subway station spaces into sports facilities for residents who have difficulty traveling long distances." Ilha Park, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, commented, "One of Screen Park Golf's strengths is that it allows people to improve their skills through data-based practice while enjoying the game without physical strain."

Seoul Metro's strategy also aligns with this initiative. Vacant commercial spaces are being converted into revenue-generating areas, and the stations are being redefined as hubs for leisure and welfare, rather than just transit points. Seoul Metro is already promoting its "Hexagonal Commercial Space" strategy, which includes rest areas for gig workers, craft workshops for seniors, and youth pop-up stores, with Screen Park Golf Courses emerging as key content. Seoul Metro noted, "It is significant that stations have evolved into everyday leisure and welfare hubs."

This model is highly likely to spread throughout Seoul. This is because three major trends-aging population, rising urban vacancies, and surging demand for park golf-are converging within subway stations. Currently, Gangdong-gu, Gangnam-gu, and Seongbuk-gu have inquired with Seoul Metro about establishing additional facilities.

Last month, at the completion ceremony of the Screen Park Golf Course Triangle Point, Park Heeyoung, Mayor of Yongsan District (left), was seen talking with residents. Provided by Yongsan District Office.

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At the opening ceremony of Seokgye Station Screen Park Golf Course in Seongbuk-gu, Lee Seungro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, and officials are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Seongbuk-gu.

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