Introduction of Golf to Korea during the Japanese Occupation

• Published in: International journal of the history of sport 2020-11, Vol.37 (sup1), p.83-101
• Main Authors: CHO, Sang-woo, LEE, Hyun Woo, OK, Gwang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 19th century; 20th century; Class society; Golf; golf course; Golf courses; golf resort; Japanese occupation; Joseon Dynasty; Korean War; Missionaries; Origin of golf in Korea; Sovereignty
• ISSN: 0952-3367; 1743-9035
• DOI: 10.1080/09523367.2020.1734569

Golf was developed in Korea between the late nineteenth century and the early 20th century. This was a dark period for the country, during which its name was changed from the Joseon Dynasty to the Korean Empire, and the nation subsequently entered the Japanese colonial era after losing its national sovereignty. The game of golf, which was first introduced by the foreign maritime customs staff at the end of the Joseon Dynasty, spread across upper class society during the Japanese colonial era, as golf courses were being built in major cities and vacation spots around the country. The construction of the courses was undertaken by foreign missionaries, Japanese, and Koreans. The introduction and development of golf in Korea was initially led by the Japanese, as well as by foreign commissioners and missionaries; thereafter, Koreans began to participate in golf. However, golf courses completely disappeared from the Korean Peninsula over the course of the Pacific War and the Korean War after the liberation of Korea from Japan. Korean golfers who survived the Japanese colonial era began to rebuild the golf courses, thereby creating the cornerstone of what has today become a global golf powerhouse.