Namwon-eup in Seogwipo, Jeju, is a stretch of tangerine groves and volcanic cones with the sea in the distance. Set in that landscape, which runs from the slopes of Mount Halla down to the coast, Namwon Park Golf Course lets players take in Jeju scenery up close. It opened in 2022 with 18 holes, and as visitors and club members kept coming, it was doubled in size this year into one of Jeju's flagship park golf venues. On the 18th it will host the Jeju regional qualifier for the 2nd Nonghyup National Agricultural Cooperative Federation Chairman's Cup Farmers' Park Golf Tournament, a sign that the course is expanding beyond community recreation into a stage for regional competition.
Watch the Slopes: Save Strokes on Flat Ground and Read the Roll
Located at 955-82 Seoseong-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo, the course was developed after being selected in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's 2018 competition for community sports infrastructure projects. A total of 2.1 billion won, including 300 million won in central government funds and 1.8 billion won in local funds, was invested, and the 18-hole course opened in March 2022.
An expansion was pursued from 2023, and an additional 2.4 billion won this year brought the course to 36 holes. The site now covers 64,065 square meters. Four courses — A at 664 meters, B at 653 meters, C at 622 meters and D at 635 meters — each have nine holes, for a total distance of 2,574 meters.
The key to playing the course is reading how the ball will roll on each course's slopes. Course A has many downhill stretches and steeply pitched fairways, so the ball can run faster than expected. Rather than simply hitting hard toward the hole, it is important to let the ball ride the slope naturally. Some fairways run uphill or tilt unevenly from side to side, which calls for precise aim.
On the relatively flat Course B, the strategy is to cut strokes. The greens, however, are domed like a cauldron lid and fairly fast, so approach shots and putts require careful distance control. Courses C and D have more level ground than A and B, allowing for steadier play. In the end, how well a player controls the roll of the ball on the slopes of Courses A and B early on can decide the overall score.
Key Points to Check Before You Go
Namwon Park Golf Course operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March through October, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through February. It is closed every Monday, as well as on January 1 and during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays.
Play is first-come, first-served on site and free of charge regardless of where the player lives. The recently added Courses C and D, however, are currently open only from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Seogwipo says it plans to extend those hours in the future, taking into account how the facility is running and demand from users.
Amenities include a clubhouse and a rest area, and the parking lot holds about 60 vehicles. Clubs, balls and other playing equipment are not available for rent, so players must bring their own.
From Namwon Keuneong to Soesokkak: Jeju's Coast and Forest Trails
After a round, the natural and cultural sights around Namwon-eup are worth a look. Near the course are attractions that showcase southern Jeju's scenery, from coastal cliffs to camellia woods and a ravine.
The first stop to consider is the Namwon Keuneong coastal scenic area. One of the area's best-known beauty spots, set on the shore near Namwon Port, it is defined by cliffs running out toward the sea and dense wooded paths. A walking trail follows the coastal cliffs, offering an unhurried stroll with ocean views, and the view framed by tree branches in the shape of the Korean Peninsula is well known.
The Wimi camellia grove is also worth visiting. Located in Wimi-ri, Namwon-eup, it is a stand of old camellia trees that have grown into a forest. It is especially striking in winter when the red camellia blossoms open, making it one of Namwon-eup's signature seasonal attractions. Namwon-eup has several camellia-related sites, including the Wimi grove and the Sinheung camellia grove.
For those who want both a ravine and the sea, Soesokkak is another recommendation. Formed at the mouth of the Hyodon Stream, Soesokkak is one of southern Jeju's best-known natural landmarks, combining deep ravine water, oddly shaped rocks and the ocean. Visitors can take in the scenery along nearby walking paths and see the unusual terrain where the Hyodon Stream meets the sea.
Anyone looking for a wider range of the area's nature might choose Hueree Natural Park. Laid out on the slopes of Mount Halla, the nature experience park features seasonal flowers including plum blossoms, hydrangeas and camellias. It also runs hands-on programs such as tangerine picking and animal feeding, making it a good fit for families.
◈ Namwon Park Golf Course at a Glance
▣ Location = 955-82 Seoseong-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju
▣ Size = 36 holes (64,065 square meters)
▣ Hours = 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., March to October; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., November to February; closed Mondays / Courses C and D: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Friday
▣ Fee = Free
▣ Equipment rental = Not available
▣ Booking = First-come, first-served on site
▣ Operator = Seogwipo City
