Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AnthonyCWSox]

I'm a very good golfer and I enjoy the game a lot. On the other hand, I'm pretty poor and won't be able to pay the humongous green fees I've heard about on a majority of Korean courses. Are there driving ranges in Korea, is it worth it for me to bring my clubs? (I'm a lefty too so finding clubs there/renting would probably be difficult).

[taylorthegr8]

Bump. I also am curious about this.

[Old fat expat]

I'm also a lefty.

At first had a really hard time finding clubs. Pro's told me I would have to learn using right handed clubs because there are no left handed clubs manufactured or sold in Korea. This was from a couple of pro's and about 5 golf shops. Yeah, right.

Lefty's are available. I bought a Korean made full set (with bag-Andre Kim) for 700,000w.

I spend most of my time 'playing' at a driving range, and my gym also is a golf facility. Driving range costs 7,000w for an hour. Gym cost 900,000 for the year.

Playing a game can be very exspensive. A friend who is just learning told me she spent 170,000 for an 18 hole round. Personally, I only play 9 hole rounds-coat for a 0 hole is 45,000w. I might play a game once every 6 weeks.

Being a lefty, even with clubs, still has its problems. Most driving ranges will have 1 lefty spot for the entire tier. It will be against the end. There are also screen golf places, and I noticed that the new places are now providing 1 room with a left hand tee and machine (15,000 for a 9 hole screen game).

Golf will let you meet people, many very well educated, and whose English is quite good. Playing here can be worth it for that alone. As you can see, it can be very exspensive, or not so, depending on how you approach it.

The above information is for Daejeon, I am certain Seoul is different.

Hope this helps.

[YLWRocketMan]

There are driving ranges but they consist of large nets that are only 100 or so yards long so i found them not so fun to use since you cant really see where the ball goes. I was in the same boat as you deciding whether or not to bring my clubs. I decided not to since i didnt have enough room and i didnt think i would play, and it was a good decision. There are screen golf places around where you can play virtual courses by hitting into a screen. I haven't tried it yet though.

[AnthonyCWSox]

What about for trips to Japan? Is the golfing scene there any better or just a pricey? (im guessing just as pricey.)

[Crockpot2001]

I'm no golfer but I hang with the folks that are building the new Jack N. golf course here in Songdo, Incheon. Those guys are fanatics from all over the world and all agree, if you want good golf at a sane price, go to Vietnam, the Phillipines or Thailand. Korea will never be cheap for real golf. too little land and too much prestige placed on the game.

[HapKi]

I have played the Seongnam US military course a few times (an old established course in southern Seoul). I recommend you get to know someone who can sign you on.

[AnthonyCWSox]

Anybody think its worth it to bring clubs? Or will it be too much of a hassle

[victorology]

Whether or not you bring your clubs depends on how many rounds you realistically feel you can get in per year. I visit my home twice a year and play a lot of golf when I do. When I'm in Korea, I might get one or two rounds of golf between trips. Even when I visit SE Asia, I'll only get 1 round on my trip max. I decided not to bring my clubs.

I agree that you should get to know someone in the military that you can play a round with on the military courses.

[saw6436]

I have a nice set of used Left-Handed clubs for sale. Come to Daejeon and I'll let them go for a song.

[freshking]

[Brooksmatic]

What's up with the screen golf places? I popped into one today to check the price (25,000W for 1. Are they pretty fun? Can you bring some beers down with your buddies and play? Do they have virtual courses from all over the world or just Korea?

[DaeguKid]

[matthewschmidt]

Great thread. I'm a lefty too and am moving to Busan on Saturday. I'm currently debating whether to bring my clubs or not.

Anybody know some decent courses, screen places, driving ranges etc. in the area?

I don't need to play top of the line courses, just somewhere I'd be able to hit all my clubs and embarrass myself on the putting green.

Also if anybody in the area wants to play a round together hit me up! Like I said, I'm moving out there on Saturday.

Thanks!

[Bibbitybop]

Who has been to the courses here in Korea? There are many right outside of Seoul. I'm not a golfer myself, but I know many people who are and would love to hear a list of good and bad places to go.