Koreans get serious about park golf, launching the first pro qualifying test

Members of the Miss Korea Park Golf Team pose for a photo during the world’s first Professional Park Golf Test held at Hanyeoul Park Golf Course in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province on Oct. 22, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-Hyun
SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Korea's love for golf is no secret, but the craze over its miniature, cheaper cousin turned serious this week as the nation hosted the world's first Professional Park Golf Pro Qualifying Test.

The three-day competition began on Wednesday at Hanyeoul Park Golf Course in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, drawing 380 participants. Until just a few years ago, park golf — a hybrid between golf and croquet — was largely seen as a leisurely pastime for seniors. That perception has changed dramatically. 

It is now embraced across generations as an affordable, family-friendly sport enjoyed by both grandparents and grandchildren. Of the participants in the inaugural qualifying test, about 76 percent were in their 50s, while players in their 20s and 30s accounted for roughly 20 percent.

 Graphics by AJP Song Ji-yoon
According to the Korea Park Golf Association, registered membership has surged from 64,001 in 2021 to 183,788 in 2024, nearly tripling in three years. This year, the total topped 250,000, and when including unregistered players, the number is estimated to exceed half a million.

"Park golf already had potential before COVID-19, but the pandemic made it explode in popularity," said Jeon Young-chang, executive vice president of the Korea Professional Park Golf Association, who opened Korea's first park golf course at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. 

 Jeon Young-chang, executive vice president of the Korea Professional Park Golf Association, speaks during an interview at the venue of the world's first Professional Park Golf Test in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province on Oct. 22, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-Hyun
"Many golfers returning from overseas — and even regular golfers here — turned to park golf because of its lower cost and easier access. At first, people didn't take it seriously, but once they tried it, they found it incredibly fun."

Originating in Hokkaido, Japan, in 1983 as part of a local park revitalization project, the sport was introduced to Korea in 2004 by Jeon. The rules are almost identical to regular golf, except players use a single mallet-like club on a shorter nine-hole course. Each hole measures up to 150 meters, compared to about 500 meters in standard golf, and a full round can be completed in about an hour.

 Participants take their swings during the Professional Park Golf Test at Hanyeoul Park Golf Course in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province on Oct. 22, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-Hyun

 A close-up view of a park golf club and ball used in the Professional Park Golf Test at Hanyeoul Park Golf Course. AJP Yoo Na-Hyun
The sport's accessibility and low cost — often free or around 10,000 won ($7) for a three-hour round — have helped it expand beyond its senior base. Courses typically require no reservations and have flexible hours, making them easy for casual or spontaneous play.

Younger players are also joining in. The Miss Korea Park Golf Team was launched last month to promote the sport among women and youth. "We played so well today — almost all holes-in-one," shrieked Kim Mi-sook, winner of the 38th Miss Korea title. "Many of us love outdoor activities like hiking or horseback riding, and park golf has become such a national trend that we decided to form a team."

Lee Jae-won, a 27-year-old Miss Korea awardee and physical education graduate from Yonsei University, said she enjoyed the game's simplicity. "It's easy to start but has surprising depth — you really need precision and control," she said.

 Players take their shots during the Professional Park Golf Test at Hanyeoul Park Golf Course in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province on Oct. 22, 2025. AJP Yoo Na-Hyun
For many, park golf has become both a hobby and a second career. Hyun Chang-min, 60, who traveled from Jeju Island to compete, said he started playing after seeing seniors on television. "It's so much fun — people say it's easier than golf, but using just one club actually makes it more challenging," he said with a laugh.

Lee Jin-bok, 63, a KPGA-certified coach with three decades of experience training young golfers, also joined the qualifying test. "A friend introduced me to park golf five months ago, and I was instantly drawn to it," he said. "To establish it as a real professional sport, tournaments need to meet higher standards than amateur events. Prize money, sponsorships, and proper organization are key."

 A panoramic view of Hanyeoul Park Golf Course in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, where the world's first Professional Park Golf Test is being held from Oct. 22 to 24. AJP Han Jun-gu
Japan may have invented park golf, but Jeon believes Korea is now taking the lead. "Japan's scene has stagnated because it never produced star players — and without stars, a sport struggles to grow," he said.

The inaugural Professional Park Golf Pro Qualifying Test runs through October 24. Of the 380 participants, the top 30 percent will earn professional certification and join Korea's first Professional Park Golf League, set to launch next April and run through November.
Kim Hee-su Reporter khs@ajupress.com