Fujian swings into action to host South Korean golfers

China's visa-free policy for South Korean citizens, which began in November last year, has led to an uptick in visits, especially to many golf courses in Fujian province.

South Korea is one of the largest and most enthusiastic golf markets in the world, and thanks to the visa-free policy and a resurgence in direct flights between the two countries, the country's golfers are getting a taste for spending the winter season on Chinese courses.

In the Fujian capital of Fuzhou, the Trans Strait Golf Club, a seaside links course located a 10-minute drive from Fuzhou Changle International Airport, saw a dramatic increase in Korean guests last winter, welcoming approximately 6,000 golfers from South Korea from December to April.

"The numbers were concentrated in the winter as many like to travel to warmer places to play the sport," said Shi Jiaji, the club manager, adding that the increased bookings have helped offset the traditional winter lull for the club, bolstering its income.

Winter weather in Fujian is significantly warmer than in South Korea, averaging around 14 C.

The surge follows China's trial visa-free policy for passport holders from nine countries including South Korea, which began in November last year. It was bolstered by an update in December allowing foreigners in transit to stay for up to 240 hours within an expanded range of ports, including Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou and Nanping in Fujian.

The increase in tourists was also boosted by the opening of direct flights between the two places. In January last year, Xiamen Airlines launched the first regular Fuzhou-Seoul passenger route since the COVID-19 pandemic. Korean Air also opened a Fuzhou-Seoul flight in December.

Data from travel platform Trip.com shows that in the first half of this year, tourism bookings by South Koreans to China increased by 125 percent year-on-year. Fujian, with its blend of mountains, coastline and rich history, has capitalized on this trend.

The government in Fujian is offering financial rewards to travel agencies that attract international visitors, and has invested in upgrading infrastructure. In May, Fujian invited Korean travel firms to experience its unique culture.

Citing data from travel agencies, Xinhua News Agency reported in June that since late 2024, over 70 percent of the South Koreans who visited Fuzhou came for golf.

Shi from the Trans Strait Golf Club said that for many South Korean visitors, the trip to China is not just about golf. Some also take time to visit local attractions in Fuzhou, such as the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys historical district and Gushan Mountain.

"This winter will surpass last year's record, according to responses from travel agencies, and in October the club received about 1,000 visitors from the country," she said.

The club is adapting its services to cater to this new clientele. "Our chefs have learned to cook some Korean dishes, including kimchi and lettuce wraps," said Shi. "Our caddies have also learned simple Korean phrases, and we have added Korean signage around the club."

The Wuyi Mountain scenic area in Fujian's Nanping is also gearing up to attract Korean golfers to boost inbound tourism after a direct flight route to Seoul was introduced.

Yang Ling, general manager of the Wuyishan Taiwei Scenery Golf Club, said, "There are no two identical golf courses in the world, and golfers love to play and challenge different courses."

The club, situated in the mountains, offers a unique golfing experience. "From the course, you can see the imposing peaks in the distance," Yang said.

A South Korean golfer with the user ID Oessooo posted photos on China's lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu from her July trip to Wuyi Mountain, where she golfed and rafted the Nine-Bend stream. She wrote, "The scenery in Wuyi is really beautiful, and the Nine-Bend stream is so stunning."

Yang Jie contributed to this story.