The South Korean government will revise its rules on public (non-membership) golf courses to make the sport more accessible, a senior culture official said.
Kim Dae-hyun, second vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, said the ministry would "continue to improve the public (non-membership) golf course system so that more people can get closer to golf," speaking at the 2026 Korea Golf Industry Forum on the 11th.
"Golf has now become a sport enjoyed by most of the public and an important sports industry that spans equipment, apparel, tourism, marketing and advanced technology," Kim said. "The government will actively support the golf industry so it can take another leap forward in step with these changes."
The government is reviewing measures for public (non-membership) golf courses, which receive tax benefits, including a cap on maximum green fees and more payment options for caddie fees. On the classification rules, the ministry said there were complaints that "because an average price is applied to the benchmark green fee used to determine whether a course qualifies as a public (non-membership) course, there has been no change at all in prime-time rates." It added that it was "looking for ways to lower the benchmark green fee further so that golfers can actually feel the reduction in fees." The ministry also said it was "considering ways to encourage optional caddie and golf cart services."
Kim said the ministry would "rationally improve unnecessary regulations on the ground and continue supporting new technologies and services so they can lead to innovation in the golf industry." He added, "I hope this forum becomes a meaningful occasion to consider together the changes and challenges facing our golf industry and to find solutions for new growth."
