Seoul, South Korea – The rapid growth of park golf, a popular recreational sport among the elderly, has led to a surge in the construction of dedicated facilities across South Korea. However, a recent study by the National Fiscal Institute has raised concerns about potential overcapacity as participation rates in some regions have begun to decline.

As of January 2025, the number of park golf courses nationwide had reached 411, a 61.8% increase from 2020. Furthermore, an additional 120 courses are planned for construction. The sport's affordability and the relatively small land area required for a course have contributed to its popularity among local governments seeking to provide recreational options for the aging population.

However, the study revealed that while participation in park golf surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, recent trends indicate a cooling of interest. Participation rates peaked at 9.3% in 2022 but declined to 5.3% in 2023. In regions such as Gyeongnam and Gyeonggi, where the number of courses increased most significantly, overall golf participation rates have also decreased.

The National Fiscal Institute warned that the rapid expansion of park golf facilities may lead to a similar fate as that of gateball courts, which were once widely popular but are now often underutilized. The institute emphasized the need for long-term planning to address potential fluctuations in demand and suggested that the current popularity of park golf may be a temporary trend driven by the aging baby boomer generation.

To mitigate the risks of overcapacity, the institute recommended that local governments carefully consider demographic changes and emerging recreational trends when planning new facilities. They also suggested exploring ways to adapt existing facilities to accommodate changing needs and preferences.

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