Japan’s Aggressive Golf Packages Threaten Domestic Industry, Jeju Hit hardest
In a move that has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s domestic golf industry, Japan has launched highly competitive golf travel packages, significantly undercutting local prices and drawing a strong response from South Korean golfers. This aggressive pricing strategy, particularly targeting the lucrative South Korean market, is forcing domestic golf courses, especially those in Jeju, to re-evaluate their own pricing structures to avoid losing a ample number of players overseas.
The trend highlights a growing competition in the golf tourism sector, with South Korean-owned golf courses in japan and China actively vying for domestic golfers. Experts warn that if South Korea’s “chronic green fee bubble” isn’t addressed, the country risks a important exodus of golfers to these more affordable international destinations.
Breaking News: Japan’s introduction of a “1 Night 2 Days Japan Golf Travel, cheaper than Korea” package, priced at an remarkable 49,900 won for a 36-hole, two-day experience, has ignited unprecedented interest among south Korean golfers. This all-inclusive deal, covering round-trip airfare, airport transfers, and green fees for two courses near Kitakyushu, has already seen over 30 teams reserve spots, signaling a major shift in golf travel preferences.
Evergreen Context: The allure of international golf travel for South Koreans is not new, but the current pricing disparity represents a critical juncture for the domestic golf market. Historically, destinations like Japan and China have been considered alternatives to domestic golf, particularly for those seeking value. Though, the recent Japanese packages have redefined “value,” offering a complete experience at a fraction of the cost of comparable domestic options.
The impact is most acutely felt in Jeju, a region that has long served as a premier golf destination for South Koreans.A typical 36-hole package on Jeju Island now ranges from 500,000 to 600,000 won. When factoring in additional costs such as local car rentals and caddy fees,which can add an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 won per person,the total per-person cost can exceed 800,000 won. This stark contrast to the Japanese offering, which is reportedly half the price, has contributed to a noticeable decline in Jeju’s golf tourism numbers. Jeju saw a drop from 2.89 million golfers in 2021 to 2.34 million last year, with only 330,000 golfers recorded in the first quarter of this year.
In response to this escalating competition, some golf courses in the Pocheon region have begun to lower their green fees. Clubs like Philos CC in Idong-myeon, Pocheon-si, are actively working to attract golfers by offering rates below 100,000 won on weekdays, with some even offering green fees as low as 50,000 won on Monday daytime rounds. This proactive measure reflects a growing awareness within the industry of the need to remain competitive.
Shim Won-bo of Terra Tour noted the meaning of overseas golf packages for 72-hole rounds now falling to 300,000 won, a benchmark previously unheard of. This intensified competition underscores the strategic efforts by South Korean-owned golf courses abroad to capture the domestic market by offering more affordable and attractive golf experiences.
The situation serves as a critical wake-up call for the South Korean golf industry, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments in pricing and service offerings to retain it’s domestic golfer base amidst a rapidly evolving global golf tourism landscape.
