A broad stretch of green turf unfolds along the waters of the Nakdong River. This is the Daesan-myeon Park Golf Course in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. First built as an 18-hole layout on the riverside, the course has expanded alongside the growth of park golf in Korea and now spans 90 regulation holes plus a 22-hole training ground. Its open river views and ample facilities have made it a regular venue for national park golf tournaments. The 4th Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister's Cup National Park Golf Tournament, running for two days from the 20th of this month, will also be played here.
From 18 Holes to 90, With River Winds Deciding Matches
The Daesan-myeon Park Golf Course sits in the area of 195-3 Bukbu-ri, Daesan-myeon, Uichang-gu, Changwon, a large layout built on the banks of the Nakdong River. It was not always this expansive. The city built an 18-hole course on the riverbed site between 2019 and 2020, and that was the starting point. The course then grew as park golf spread more widely.
The expansion was not smooth. While a private association ran the facility, disputes broke out between members and non-members over access, and questions arose over river occupancy permits and facility expansion. After overhauling the facility and enacting a related ordinance, the city handed operations to the Changwon Facilities Management Corporation in July 2024. A course once run mainly for members reopened as a public sports facility open to all residents.
Improvements have continued. In April this year, the city spent 580 million won to add a 22-hole training ground, a management booth and boundary fencing. The site now covers 152,322 square meters, or about 46,077 pyeong, with 90 regulation holes and the 22-hole training ground.
The regulation course is divided into Courses No. 1 through No. 3. Courses No. 1 and No. 2 each have 36 holes across layouts A through D, while Course No. 3 has 18 holes across layouts A and B. Of these, the 36 holes of Course No. 2 are certified by the Korea Park Golf Association. They will serve as the main stage for competitors from across the country at the 4th Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister's Cup National Park Golf Tournament.
The course is defined by its sweeping layout and the winds characteristic of the Nakdong River. Few features block the line of sight, opening up long views, but that also means wind must be factored in. Because the site is so large, wind direction and strength can vary from one layout to another.
Balls fly shorter than expected into a headwind and carry farther with a tailwind, so players need to adjust shot strength to conditions. Crosswinds also affect direction. First-time visitors should watch nearby trees and flags before teeing off. On long holes, placing the ball in a stable position for the next shot works better than straining for distance.
Key Points to Check Before Playing
Changwon residents can buy a day pass from the on-site ticket machine on the day of play. Visitors from outside the city must book online in advance and then buy a pass at the course.
Reservations for outside visitors open at 9 a.m. on the 20th of the preceding month and close at 5 p.m. the day before play, through the Changwon Facilities Management Corporation's integrated reservation system. Groups traveling together should check that each person has a booking. For group visits, contact the course about separate reservation procedures and capacity limits.
Fees are 2,000 won for Changwon residents and 5,000 won for visitors from outside the city. Changwon residents can also buy an annual membership for 100,000 won. Annual members may play once in either the morning or the afternoon session; additional rounds require a day pass. People aged 65 and over, people with disabilities and persons of national merit can receive a 50% discount under the relevant rules.
Hours run from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April through September, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October through March. Play is split into morning and afternoon sessions, and the course is closed from noon to 1 p.m. It closes every Wednesday, shifting to the following day when Wednesday falls on a public holiday. Operations may also be suspended during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays and when the facility needs maintenance or turf protection.
Weekend drivers should note that an alternate-day driving system based on license plate numbers has been in place on weekends since July this year. Vehicles for people with disabilities and cars carrying three or more people are exempt.
Migratory Birds After the Round, and Sweet Persimmons in Season
There is no need to leave Changwon in a hurry after a round. A day that began on the banks of the Nakdong River can continue at a reservoir where migratory birds gather, an autumn orchard and a hot spring.
The first stop worth recommending is Junam Reservoir in Dong-eup. Covering about 898 hectares, it is one of Korea's leading wintering grounds for migratory birds, drawing a variety of species from autumn through winter. It is a good place to watch waterfowl move across the broad surface or to walk the trails. Ecological learning spaces and observation facilities are nearby, and the Junam Environmental School runs seasonal ecology programs and birdwatching sessions. Some programs may require advance booking, so it is worth checking before visiting.
For a taste of autumn, head to the Changwon Sweet Persimmon Theme Park in Dong-eup. The park is an agricultural experience and rest area built around the specialty crop of Changwon, one of Korea's main sweet persimmon growing regions. In October, during the harvest season, it is a fine place to walk among rows of persimmon trees and take in the autumn air. Exhibition halls and hands-on facilities explain what sets Changwon sweet persimmons apart and offer various programs using the fruit. Visitors can also browse processed persimmon products and local produce. It is advisable to check program schedules and whether advance booking is required.
To ease tired muscles after a round, the Magumsan Hot Springs in Buk-myeon is another good option. Magumsan is a long-established hot spring destination in Changwon. Alongside the bathhouses, the area has a foot bath facility where visitors can soak their feet in spring water of 40 to 42 degrees Celsius free of charge.
◈ Daesan-myeon Park Golf Course at a Glance
▣ Location = Area of 195-3 Bukbu-ri, Daesan-myeon, Uichang-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province
▣ Size = 90 holes (152,322 square meters, or about 46,077 pyeong; 22 practice holes separate)
▣ Hours = 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April through September; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October through March (closed every Wednesday)
▣ Fees = 2,000 won for Changwon residents; 5,000 won for visitors from outside the city (50% discount for eligible groups)
▣ Equipment Rental = Not available
▣ Reservations = Same-day on-site ticketing for Changwon residents; online advance booking followed by on-site ticketing for outside visitors (from 9 a.m. on the 20th of the preceding month to 5 p.m. the day before play)
▣ Operator = Changwon Facilities Management Corporation