SEOUL - The post-pandemic "golf boom" in South Korea continues to cool as the Korea Golf Course Management Association (KGCMA) reported a third consecutive year of declining visitor numbers.
According to data released by the association on March 18, 2026, approximately 46.41 million people visited 524 golf courses nationwide during the 2025 calendar year. This represents a decrease of roughly 1 million visitors (2.1%) compared to 2024.
Domestic golf attendance peaked in 2022 at 50.58 million, driven by a surge in interest during the COVID-19 pandemic when outdoor sports were among the few available leisure activities. Since then, the figures have shifted downward:
"The number of golf course visitors increased significantly following the spread of COVID-19 but has since entered a period of adjustment," an association official stated. "However, it is important to note that the figure still remains at a historically high level, consistently exceeding the 46 million mark."
The survey provided a detailed breakdown of visitor habits across different types of facilities:
The data highlights a higher usage density at public venues. On an 18-hole basis, non-membership courses saw an average of 81,792 visitors per course, while membership-based courses averaged 75,582. The national average number of visitors per hole dropped to 4,430, down from 4,557 the previous year.
As of January 1, 2026, the total number of golf courses in South Korea stands at 546.
| Status | Number of Courses |
| In Operation | 527 (152 Membership / 375 Non-membership) |
| Under Construction | 11 |
| Planned (Not yet started) | 8 |
Industry analysts suggest the decline is influenced by rising green fees and a growing preference among domestic golfers for more affordable international travel options in Southeast Asia and Japan. Despite the dip in attendance, the KGCMA noted that 527 courses are currently operational, with more facilities expected to open later this year.
Detailed regional statistics and visitor trends are available on the Korea Golf Course Management Association website.
