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The Incorporated Association Korea Public Golf Course Association (President Woo Jung-seok) has joined hands with Japan's Incorporated Association Golf Course Operators Association (Chairman Tezuka Hiroshi) to pursue mutual growth aimed at overcoming the global management crisis and advancing the golf industries of both countries.
The Korea Public Golf Course Association announced that it held a roundtable meeting between Korean and Japanese golf course operators in Tokyo, Japan, on October 28. The two associations have maintained continuous communication over the past year since signing the "Memorandum of Understanding for Information Sharing and Sustainable Development of the Golf Course Industry Between Korea and Japan" in October 2025.
According to statistics presented by the Japanese side at this roundtable, as of 2025, the number of golf courses in Japan stood at 2,160, a decrease of approximately 300 from the peak of 2,460 in 2002. Annual visitors were recorded at approximately 87.36 million, a 0.2% decline year-on-year. In particular, based on 18-hole golf courses, the annual average number of visitors was approximately 40,000, reaching only half the level of Korea (approximately 80,000).
Usage fees range from approximately 5,000 yen on weekdays in regional areas to approximately 30,000 yen near major metropolitan areas. With those aged 70 and older accounting for 25% of visitors, attracting younger demographics and improving efficiency through digital transformation were cited as key challenges.
The two associations agreed to expand information exchange on climate change response and cost reduction, as well as personnel exchanges such as mutual visits. The Korean association conveyed that this meeting served as an opportunity to become partners in growing together.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
