Jang Seob Yoon
Research expert covering South Korea
Golf in South Korea - statistics & facts
Home to Se-ri Park and In-bee Park, the most successful South Korean female golfers in the LPGA, the South Korean golf market continues to grow. During the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s, Seri Park's winning of the LPGA became a morale booster for South Koreans, while also making golf more widely known. The golfing population has increased significantly in recent years, bolstered by the fact that the sport was recognized as a safe outdoor activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same time, the indoor screen golf business has also grown. Screen golf is a particularly popular business in South Korea. Also called a golf simulator, users can enjoy golf via a virtual simulation display on a large screen. Golfzon, the largest domestic screen golf company, is achieving record sales. South Korean tech company Kakao also launched its own golf business, attracting the attention of the younger generation with its Kakao Friends character products.
The golfwear market is also rapidly expanding. The sales of such apparel in department stores has increased by a significant margin compared to previous years. Against this backdrop, golfers in their twenties and thirties are generously opening their wallets to more expensive and rare luxury golfwear. One survey found that female golfers spent more on golfwear than male golfers, and younger golfers spent more than older golfers. In line with this consumer trend, fashion companies are focusing on launching golfwear brands to attract young golfers.
Golf courses and screen golfing
Although the number of golf courses in Korea has roughly remained the same, the profit margin of golf courses has risen substantially in recent years. During the pandemic, more people visited outdoor golf courses because they could enjoy social activities while keeping social distancing regulations. Among this influx, the entry of the younger generation into the golf market is notable. Unlike in the past, when golf was considered a sport for the older generation, the barriers to entry have been lowered thanks to online golf courses and cheap screen golfing.At the same time, the indoor screen golf business has also grown. Screen golf is a particularly popular business in South Korea. Also called a golf simulator, users can enjoy golf via a virtual simulation display on a large screen. Golfzon, the largest domestic screen golf company, is achieving record sales. South Korean tech company Kakao also launched its own golf business, attracting the attention of the younger generation with its Kakao Friends character products.
Golf shopping trends
The rising popularity of golf has also had an impact on the golf equipment market. In 2021, golf equipment imports hit an all-time high. Golf clubs were the most imported golf equipment, and Japan, China, and the United States were the major exporters to South Korea.The golfwear market is also rapidly expanding. The sales of such apparel in department stores has increased by a significant margin compared to previous years. Against this backdrop, golfers in their twenties and thirties are generously opening their wallets to more expensive and rare luxury golfwear. One survey found that female golfers spent more on golfwear than male golfers, and younger golfers spent more than older golfers. In line with this consumer trend, fashion companies are focusing on launching golfwear brands to attract young golfers.
