Golf

  How Foreign Golfers Experience Korean Golf Culture (외국인 골퍼가 느끼는 한국 골프 문화 차이) Playing golf in Korea feels very different compared to other countries. Based on real experience caddying for many foreign players, here’s how visitors truly feel about Korean golf culture. 1. Silence is Sacred In many countries, casual chatting and jokes during the round are common. But in Korea, silence is serious. When someone is teeing off or putting: No talking No movement Eyes focused First-time visitors often feel the course is "too quiet" and slightly awkward—but that’s the standard here. 2. Dress Code Is Strict In Korea, the dress code isn’t just a suggestion — it’s a rule. Collarless shirts, jeans, short shorts, and slippers are not allowed. Entry can be denied for improper attire. In contrast, many golf courses overseas (especially in Southeast Asia or parts of Europe) are more relaxed about clothing. In Korea, dressing properly is part of respecting the game. 3. Cad...

  Korean Golfers’ Playing Style – Real Insights from 10 Years of Experience (한국 골퍼들의 플레이 스타일) Korean golfers have a unique playing style that’s very different from other countries. It’s not just about hitting the ball — it’s about rhythm, respect, team flow, and a little bit of fashion too. Based on 10 years of real caddie experience, here’s how Korean golfers really play. 1. Fast but Smooth Play Speed matters on Korean golf courses. Most courses encourage players to finish 18 holes within 4 hours and 10 minutes. Golfers are always aware of time, moving quickly but not rushing. They prepare swings efficiently, read putting lines without long delays, and move from shot to shot smoothly. It’s not about running — it’s about keeping a steady, professional rhythm. 2. "Good Shot!" Culture – Light Applause After Tee Shots In Korea, when someone hits a good tee shot, it’s common for playing partners to clap lightly and say "Good shot!" Especially on the first ...

  Stay & Play in Korea – 골프와 숙박이 함께하는 여행 If you're visiting Korea and love golf, there's a special way to enjoy it fully: Stay & Play. This concept lets you book both your golf rounds and overnight stay in one place – usually at premium golf resorts located in scenic, quiet areas. Instead of rushing back to the city, you relax, enjoy dinner, and wake up to fresh greens the next morning. Why Choose a Stay & Play Package? Convenience: Your room, meals, tee time, and even sauna or spa access – all arranged together. Scenic Locations: Most Korean golf resorts are located in mountain or lakeside settings, offering beautiful views all year. High-Quality Courses: Expect well-maintained courses, often ranked among Korea’s top 100. Cultural Experience: Many resorts offer traditional Korean meals and bathhouses, giving travelers a local flavor. Top Stay & Play Golf Resorts in Korea 1. South Cape Owners Club (Namhae) Luxury meets design. Stay in stylish villas, golf by the...

  Stay & Play in Korea – 골프여행의 완성 If you're visiting Korea for golf, don’t just play—stay. Korea offers a growing number of “Stay & Play” golf resorts that make your trip smoother, richer, and more relaxing. These are not just hotels near golf courses. They're full experiences. --- What is “Stay & Play”? It means you can sleep, dine, and play all in one location. From check-in to tee time, everything is right on-site. No traffic, no transfers—just pure golf time. --- Best Picks for Stay & Play in Korea: 1. The Ananti Namhae Overlooking the sea, this resort offers cliffside views, a luxury hotel, and an 18-hole course with dramatic elevation changes. 2. South Cape Owners Club A high-end escape blending art, architecture, and golf. Known for its private vibe and stunning coastline holes. 3. Pine Beach Golf Links Located in Haenam, this destination features seaside fairways, on-site villas, and sunset views you’ll remember. --- Why Golfers Love These Spots: Time-sa...

Essential Korean Phrases for Booking Tee Times at Golf Courses (한국 골프장 예약할 때 꼭 알아야 할 한국어 표현) When booking or visiting a golf course in Korea, knowing a few simple Korean phrases can make everything smoother. Especially during phone reservations, check-ins, or changing tee times, basic expressions can help you communicate clearly with staff. Here’s a guide to essential Korean phrases you should know. 1. Useful Korean Phrases When Booking "예약하고 싶습니다." (I would like to make a reservation.) "2명 예약 가능한가요?" (Is it possible to book for 2 people?) "몇 시에 Tee Time이 있나요?" (What tee times are available?) It’s also helpful to know basic numbers like "two people" (두 명) or "three people" (세 명) when booking. --- 2. Changing or Canceling a Reservation "예약을 변경하고 싶습니다." (I want to change my reservation.) "예약을 취소하고 싶습니다." (I want to cancel my reservation.) "다른 시간으로 변경할 수 있나요?" (Can I change to a different time?) In Korea, chan...

How to Find 2-Person Tee Times at Golf Courses in Korea – A Guide for Foreigners In Korea, most golf courses prefer groups of four players. However, two-person rounds are becoming more common,  especially on weekdays and during off-peak hours. Here's how to find and book 2-person tee times at Korean golf courses. 1. Choose the Right Timing Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) offer the best chances for 2-person rounds. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually less crowded. 2. Focus on Public Courses Public golf courses are more flexible than private ones. Look for popular options like Sky72 Golf Club or Asiana Country Club. 3. Check “2인 가능” Mark on Reservation Apps Use apps like KakaoGolf or Golfzon. Search for “2인 라운드 가능” (2-person play available) to filter your options. 4. Use Pairing Services if Needed If 2-person slots are unavailable, apps offer pairing services to join with other players. 5. Recommended Courses for 2-Person Rounds Sky72 Golf Club (Incheon) Asiana Country Club ...

 Jeju Island Golf Vacation Guide – 제주도 골프 여행 추천 코스 Jeju Island is not only Korea’s top vacation destination — it's also an incredible place for a golf holiday, especially for foreign travelers. With its natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and world-class courses, Jeju offers the perfect “Stay & Play” experience. Based on over 10 years of on-course experience, here are 5 top golf courses in Jeju + the best accommodations nearby. --- 1. Nine Bridges CC + WE Hotel Jeju Course: World-class PGA-level course in a forest setting Stay: Luxury wellness hotel with natural hot springs Why it works: Exclusive, serene, premium experience Booking Tip: Hard to reserve — best with booking agent --- 2. Laon Golf Resort + On-site Pool Villas Course: Spacious, beautiful western Jeju course Stay: Private villas and family suites inside the resort Why it works: Close to airport, foreigner-friendly Booking Tip: English booking available online --- 3. Castlex Jeju + Maison Glad Hotel Course: Breathtak...

  Tee Time Cancellation Policies and Penalties – A Foreigner’s Guide to Korean Golf Courses In Korea, booking a tee time is taken very seriously. Unlike some countries where casual cancellations are common,  Korean golf courses operate under strict reservation and penalty systems. For foreign golfers, understanding these rules is key to a smooth experience. Here’s everything you need to know about tee time cancellations and penalties in Korea. 1. How Tee Time Reservations Work in Korea Golf courses usually require reservations weeks in advance. Whether through websites, apps like KakaoGolf,  or by phone, a confirmed tee time is seen as a firm commitment,  not a casual booking. 2. Cancellation Deadlines Most courses allow free cancellations up to 2–3 days before the scheduled tee time. Some public courses offer a 24-hour grace period. Missing this deadline often results in penalties. 3. Typical Penalty Fees Cancellation penalties vary, but generally: ...

  Seoul Area Stay & Play – 서울 근교 골프+숙소 베스트 조합 If you're visiting or living in Seoul and want a quick golf getaway, you don’t need to travel far. Here are 5 great Stay & Play combos within 1–2 hours of Seoul — perfect for foreign travelers looking for convenience and comfort. --- 1. South Springs CC + Walkerhill Hotel (Icheon) Course: Private and peaceful, surrounded by mountains Stay: Walkerhill chain hotel in Icheon or return to central Seoul Why it works: High-end course + wide accommodation options Transport: 1.5 hrs by car --- 2. Hillside CC + Kolon Hotel Gwacheon Course: One of the closest forest courses near Seoul Stay: Kolon Hotel Gwacheon or any Seoul city hotel Why it works: Most time-efficient combo, great for short stays Transport: Subway + short taxi ride --- 3. Bear Creek GC + The Classic 500 (Seoul/Gwangjin) Course: Public course with easy access Stay: Premium residence hotel in Seoul’s east side Why it works: Play half a round while staying in the city Transp...

  Best Golf Resorts in Korea – 한국에서 골프와 숙박을 동시에 즐기는 리조트 TOP 5 If you're a foreign traveler looking to enjoy golf in Korea, one of the best options is to choose a Stay & Play resort — where golf and accommodation come as a package. It saves time, offers convenience, and lets you experience Korean golf culture more fully. Based on my 10+ years of field experience as a caddie, here are 5 top golf resorts in Korea that are ideal for international guests. --- 1. Blue One Dianes CC (Gyeongju) Highlight: Classic golf in Korea’s historic capital Stay: Blue One Condo or hotels nearby Why it's great: Combine heritage tourism + golf Booking tip: Use an agent, limited English online --- 2. Phoenix Pyeongchang Golf & Resort Highlight: Alpine-style mountain course with cool summer breeze Stay: Rooms inside Phoenix Resort Why it's great: Golf in summer, ski in winter Booking tip: English-friendly, package deals available --- 3. Laon Golf Resort (Jeju Island) Highlight: Serene golf...

  Best Days and Times to Book a Tee Time in Korea – 한국에서 티타임 예약이 잘 되는 요일과 시간대 Have you ever tried to book a tee time at a Korean golf course, only to find every slot already taken? You’re not alone — tee times in Korea sell out fast, especially during peak hours. But here’s the good news: there’s a pattern. After 10 years working as a caddie, I’ve seen which days and time slots are easiest (and hardest) to book. This post is your real-world guide to the “golden time” for tee time reservations. --- 1. Best Days to Book Monday to Wednesday → Lowest competition. Tee times are more available. Thursday to Friday → Popular among weekday players. Friday afternoons fill up fast. Saturday → The most competitive day. Prime slots vanish in seconds. Sunday → Mornings are tough, but afternoons are surprisingly open. --- 2. Best Times to Book --- 3. Caddie’s Picks Weekday mornings (7–8 AM) → Best condition, good pace. Sunday afternoons (after 1 PM) → Quieter, more availability. Weekday afternoon...

  How to Book a Tee Time in Korea – 한국에서 티타임 예약하는 방법 Thinking of playing golf in Korea but unsure how to book a tee time? You're not alone — the reservation system here can be confusing, especially for foreigners. Most courses are member-only or fully booked months in advance. But don’t worry — as a former caddie with 10 years of experience, I’m here to guide you through it. --- 1. Can Foreigners Book Tee Times in Korea? Yes, you can — especially at public golf courses. But most booking platforms are in Korean, and many require Korean ID or a Korean phone number. That said, there are ways to book without those. --- 2. Main Ways to Book a Tee Time ① Through a Golf Booking Service (Recommended) Foreign-friendly booking agents offer English support and full packages. Examples: Play Golf in Korea, Korea Tee Time, and private booking agencies. Benefits: Easy communication, car service, golf + hotel deals. ② Korean Apps (XGOLF, KakaoGolf, Barogo, etc.) Popular with locals but not easy fo...

  Caddie Culture and Roles in Korean Golf (한국 골프장의 캐디 문화와 역할) In Korea, caddies aren’t just assistants — they’re the heart of the game flow. Having worked as a caddie for over 10 years, I can tell you: a good caddie can make your round smoother, faster, and way more enjoyable. Foreign golfers are often surprised by just how involved Korean caddies are. Here’s what you need to know. --- 1. One caddie per team In most Korean golf courses, there’s one caddie assigned to each team of four players. Unlike other countries where players carry their own bags or use carts alone, Korean caddies manage: All four bags Driving the cart Setting up tee shots Measuring distances Reading putting lines Cleaning and organizing clubs They’re not just carrying equipment — they’re orchestrating the entire round. --- 2. Caddies guide, advise, and support Caddies in Korea do much more than just drive the cart. They help with: Yardage & wind direction Strategy suggestions for safer plays Pace control a...

 Locker Rooms & Shower Culture in Korean Golf Courses (한국 골프장의 탈의실과 샤워 문화) Ever finished a round of golf and felt like stepping into a luxury spa? That’s exactly what many golfers experience in Korea. As someone who worked as a caddie for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how surprised foreign golfers are by Korean golf course locker rooms and shower areas. Let me give you the full inside view. --- 1. The locker rooms feel like hotels When you arrive, you’ll get a personal key and a private locker — not a flimsy gym-style space, but a sleek, wood-paneled area that feels upscale. High-end courses offer fresh towels, slippers, bathrobes, and even shirt steamers. Many golfers even bring dress clothes to change into for lunch or after-game events. --- 2. The showers are more than just showers It’s not just a place to rinse off. Korean golf club showers often include: Open shower zones Private shower booths Heated dry saunas Hot tubs (onsen-style baths) After 18 holes, soaking in a...

  Korean Golf Course Dining Culture (한국 골프장의 식사 문화와 클럽하우스 음식) You might think golf is all about swings and scores, but in Korea, there’s one thing golfers secretly love just as much: the food. After working as a caddie for over 10 years, I can confidently say— many golfers come for the game but stay for the meal. Let me walk you through the unique and delicious dining culture inside Korean golf courses. --- 1. Breakfast is part of the ritual Most golf rounds in Korea start early—often between 6 and 8 AM. That’s why breakfast at the clubhouse isn’t optional, it’s tradition. Dishes like beef soup (yukgaejang), dried pollack soup (bugeotguk), or soft tofu stew are common. Warm, comforting, and perfect to get your body ready for the game. --- 2. Post-round lunch is like a feast After 18 holes, golfers head straight to the clubhouse restaurant. And trust me—it’s not your average cafeteria. Menus often include: Hanwoo beef soup Bossam (boiled pork with kimchi) Grilled eel Cold noodles (n...

  How to Book a Golf Course in Korea (한국 골프장 예약 시스템과 팁) If you’ve ever tried booking a golf course in Korea, you probably know: it’s not easy. And I say this as someone who worked as a caddie for over 10 years in Korea. Golf in Korea isn’t just about how well you play — it starts with knowing how to secure a tee time. Here’s everything I learned from behind the scenes. --- 1. Booking is a battle — especially on weekends Most Korean golf courses release tee times through their official websites. But here’s the catch: for weekends, reservations open at a specific time and fill up within seconds. Literally. People set alarms and refresh pages like it’s a concert ticket drop. Some courses give priority to members, so public tee times are very limited. --- 2. Weekdays vs. weekends Weekday bookings are much easier. But weekends? It’s members first, groups second, and individuals last. You often have to rely on cancellations or try dawn tee times (5–6 AM), which are less competitive and u...

  Hidden Gem Golf Courses in Korea (현지인이 사랑하는 숨은 골프장) – Secret Spots Korean Golfers Keep to Themselves Not all great golf courses in Korea are famous. Some are quietly passed on through word-of-mouth—hidden gems with peaceful vibes, beautiful nature, and fair prices. Here are four under-the-radar public golf courses that locals absolutely love. --- 1. Taegisan Golf Club (태기산 골프장 – Hoengseong, Gangwon-do) Course Highlights:  Located in the highlands of Taegisan Mountain, the air is cool and clean.  With natural elevation changes, strategic driver shots are key. Facilities:  Simple clubhouse but clean and functional.  Surrounded by forest, ideal for quiet, focused play. Pricing:  Weekday: ~120,000 KRW / Weekend: ~160,000 KRW Address:  777, Taegisan-ro, Dunnae-myeon, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do  Phone: +82-33-344-2111 Reviews:  “The mountain scenery is breathtaking!”  “Perfectly calm and relaxing atmosphere.” Caution:  Can be cold and icy in winter. Check weather before booking. --- 2....

  Top 5 Public Golf Courses in Korea (한국의 인기 퍼블릭 골프장 TOP 5) Top 5 Public Golf Courses in Korea (한국의 인기 퍼블릭 골프장 TOP 5) – Where Golfers Keep Coming Back Public golf courses in Korea are no longer just budget options. Many now rival private clubs with well-maintained fairways, great layouts, and impressive scenery. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, these five public courses have earned strong reputations among locals for good reason. --- 1. Anseong H Club (안성H 클럽 – 경기도 안성시) Course Highlights:  Wide fairways with minimal elevation changes—perfect for beginners.  Fast greens (Speed 2.8–3.1) demand solid putting skills. Facilities:  Modern clubhouse, clean and spacious locker rooms, strong shower water pressure.  Snack house sells basic but satisfying options like kimchi stew and hot dogs. Pricing:  Weekday: 130,000–140,000 KRW  Weekend: 180,000–190,000 KRW  Cart: 90,000 KRW per team / Caddie: 150,000 KRW per team Address:  33, Je2sandan-ro, Miyang-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeong...

  Golf Course Reservations in Korea – Why It Feels Like a War (한국 골프장 예약 전쟁) In South Korea, playing golf isn’t the hardest part — booking a tee time is. As golf has grown massively in popularity, especially among younger generations and weekend warriors, the competition to reserve a spot on the course has become a serious challenge. Tee times during peak hours are often fully booked within seconds of opening. It’s no exaggeration to say that reserving a golf course in Korea can feel like a war. Why Is It So Difficult to Book a Golf Course in Korea? 1. Limited Supply, Exploding Demand Golf has seen a boom in Korea, but the number of available courses hasn’t increased at the same pace. This imbalance creates a constant shortage, especially at popular locations. 2. Everyone Wants the Same Time Slots Weekend mornings — particularly between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM — are the most sought-after. These “golden hours” are often booked out in less than a minute. 3. Automated Reservations and Spe...

  What It’s Like to Have a Caddie in Korea한국 골프장 캐디 문화는 어떤 느낌일까? --- In Korea, the presence of a caddie is not an option — it's a requirement. If you’re used to self-carrying your clubs or renting a trolley, the Korean system might feel overwhelming at first. But once you experience it, you’ll realize: a caddie in Korea is not just a helper, but a guide, a strategist, and a team leader. Here’s what you can expect. --- 1. You Can’t Play Without a Caddie In most Korean golf courses, each group (usually 4 players) is assigned one caddie by default. Self-play is rarely allowed. The fee is ₩150,000 per group, not including an optional tip. This is paid directly to the club and is mandatory. In Western countries, caddies are rare and optional. In Korea, they’re an integral part of the golf experience. --- 2. Caddies Are Not Club Employees One misconception is that caddies are employed by the golf course. In reality, many work through third-party service companies, and are assigned per te...

  Why Are Korean Golf Courses So Expensive? 한국 골프장은 왜 그렇게 비쌀까? -- A question many foreign golfers ask the moment they check tee times in Korea. Compared to other countries, green fees in Korea are shockingly high. In Southeast Asia, you can play a full 18-hole round for $30. In the U.S., $60–90 is average. But in Korea? It’s not uncommon to pay $150–300 or more, especially on weekends. So why is golf so expensive in Korea? It’s not just the course itself. Korean golf is a premium service experience — and the price reflects that. --- 1. Mandatory Caddie System (₩150,000 per team) Unlike in the West, you can't play golf in Korea without a caddie. One caddie manages a group of four, helping with club selection, distances, ball spotting, and even reading greens. The fee? ₩150,000 (around $110) per team. This is separate from the green fee, and it’s not optional. In most other countries, caddies are rare and optional. In Korea, it’s part of the cultural package. --- 2. Cart Fee (₩80,000...