The best golf courses in South Korea

The Club at Nine Bridges, designed by Ronald Fream and David Dale of GolfPlan, is South Korea’s premier private golf club. Located on scenic Jeju Island, the course features bentgrass throughout, championship-caliber design, lush woodland surroundings, and consistently immaculate conditioning. Renowned for hosting international tournaments and ranking among the world's top 100, it combines a challenging layout with peaceful, natural beauty.

South Cape Owners Club, designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips, is a clifftop resort layout on Namhae Island offering panoramic sea views from every hole. The course blends links-style influences with dramatic Korean coastal scenery. Established in 2013 by Jae Bong Chung, the 18 holes wind through granite outcrops and lush bluegrass fairways, demanding both strategy and creativity. Luxurious facilities and accommodations complete an unforgettable golf experience.

Haesley Nine Bridges is an acclaimed private club near Seoul, designed by David Dale and Kevin Ramsey of Golfplan in collaboration with agronomy expert Marsh Benson. Opened in 2009, the course is set amid rolling terrain and renowned for its unique holes, pristine bentgrass greens, and sophisticated sub-air and hydronics systems. The layout is a blend of strategic challenge and scenic beauty, complemented by an iconic award-winning clubhouse by Shigeru Ban.

Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is a championship 18-hole golf course in the heart of Songdo, Incheon, designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2010. Known for hosting world-class tournaments like the Presidents Cup and LIV Golf Korea, it features Bentgrass surfaces, dramatic water hazards, and modern amenities with outstanding skyline views.

Blackstone Golf Club Icheon is an exclusive and prestigious club set in the hilly landscapes east of Seoul. This Brian Costello (JMP Design) layout features 27 holes with tree-lined fairways, dramatic stone outcrops, and water hazards, all framed by forested glens. The stunning clubhouse and world-class facilities combine with strategic design to challenge and reward golfers of all levels.

South Springs Country Club in Icheon is an upscale private course designed by Jim Fazio and Kim Jae-Yeol. Its 18 holes are routed through gentle terrain featuring striking bunkers, seven lakes, and dramatic greensites, with two distinct nines—the Lake and Mountain. Renowned for its strategic layout and luxurious facilities, it caters to both amateurs and experienced golfers.

Seowon Valley Country Club in Paju, South Korea, is a respected venue known for its immaculate conditions, premium services, and regularly hosting professional tournaments. Designed originally by Song Ho Cheng with a 2023 redesign by David Dale, the club offers 45 holes of challenging parkland-style golf and a strong local reputation among the region’s best courses.

Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan is a Perry Dye-designed championship venue opened in 1993, recognized for its challenging, tournament-quality layout and recent greens renovation by Cynthia Dye McGarey. Long fairways, significant elevation changes, and demanding bunkering make it a standout in Asia, regularly hosting the Kolon Korea Open.

Anyang Country Club, founded in 1968 by Lee Byung-Chull, is regarded as Korea’s Home of Golf. The course, originally designed by Chohei Miyazawa and masterfully renovated by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1997, weaves through mature trees and seasonal colors that challenge and delight. Its proprietary Anyang Jungji grass, prized for its playability, and storied parkland setting create a classic, world-class golfing experience sought out by discerning players across Asia.

360° Country Club is a scenic 18-hole, par-72 public course in Yeoju, opened in 2011 and designed by Brian Costello of JMP Golf Design Group. Built on forested, mountainous terrain, its layout features cascading waterfalls, lakes, and exceptional views, with a focus on harmony with nature. The greens are Bentgrass and fairways are Kentucky bluegrass.

Asiad Country Club is a 27-hole world-class facility designed by Perry O. Dye and extensively renovated by Rees Jones in 2019. Built for the 2002 Asian Games, the course blends natural Korean landscapes with water features and elevates play with strategic design and top-tier conditions. It is a prominent venue in Busan's golf calendar.

Sky 72 Golf Club, located adjacent to Incheon International Airport, is one of the largest golf complexes in Northeast Asia. The Ocean Course was designed by Steve Nicklaus and opened in 2007. This championship layout is known for its strategic bunkering, fast greens, and views of the Yellow Sea, and regularly hosts major women's professional tournaments.

Teddy Valley Golf & Resort, designed by David Dale of Golfplan, features 18 parkland-style holes nestled amid the beautiful scenery of Jeju Island, with wide fairways and large greens. The resort is celebrated for its tranquil setting, lush vistas of Hallasan and Sanbangsan mountains, and a challenging layout that appeals to both local and international golfers.

Ora Country Club is a renowned 36-hole public golf course on Jeju Island, founded in 1979 and beautifully routed along valleys beside Hallasan Mountain. Designed to international standards, it delivers a rewarding test amidst scenic volcanic terrain. The layout is known for well-maintained fairways and greens and delivers an enjoyable round for all skill levels.

Cosmos Links, founded by President Young and designed by Tom Doak, is an innovative 18-hole public course in Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea finished in 2022,. Inspired by traditional links architecture, it offers more than 350 bunkers, firm fescue-lined fairways, and dramatic topography. The course appeals to all skill levels and is lauded for its modern clubhouse and scenic rural setting.