Gyeryong, a city in South Chungcheong Province, is buzzing ahead of the "14th Korean Sport & Olympic Committee Chairman's Cup National Park Golf Tournament" set for October 29-30. The battleground, Gyeryong Park Golf Course, is a 36-hole facility built on an unused military site and has established itself as a central hub of community sports symbolizing the region. The area's demographics—many national merit recipients who made Gyeryong their second home after military retirement, along with a large elderly population—have transformed the venue into more than just an exercise facility, making it a "citizen-friendly communication space."
'Fast Greens' Hidden Variable in Flat Course
Established in 2018 in the vicinity of 6 Jeongjang-ri, Sindoan-myeon, Gyeryong, the course received certification as the 47th officially recognized venue from the Korea Park Golf Association on April 14 of last year. It has been recognized for its standardized course design, safety, and user convenience.
The course operates across approximately 66,000 square meters (about 20,000 pyeong) with four courses from A to D (nine holes each), totaling 36 holes. Total distances per course are 611 meters for A, 653 meters for B, 643 meters for C, and 603 meters for D. The predominantly flat design allows players of all ages and genders to enjoy rounds without strain. Notably, it stands out as an integrated sports space where people with and without disabilities can play together. The South Chungcheong Provincial Games for the Disabled park golf competition is actually held here. The course has been selected as the venue for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee Chairman's Cup for two consecutive years, proving its quality.
The key to tackling the course lies in the "fast greens" and "rough utilization." The greens are constructed with a mix of artificial mats and artificial mesh mats, causing the ball to roll exceptionally fast. As such, particular care is needed with distance control during putting, and excessive strokes can actually lead to mistakes.
While out-of-bounds areas around the greens have been minimized, relatively deep rough has been placed on both sides of the fairways, requiring directional accuracy in shots. Stable course management is important from the tee shot stage. A strategy prioritizing accuracy over aggressive attacks proves effective.
Essential Guide Before Playing
Although built on land leased from the Ministry of National Defense, facility management is handled not by a separate facility management corporation but through an association-led self-management system. Association members directly divide and manage the course. About 27 clubs each take charge of holes, performing maintenance tasks such as weeding, turf management, and fertilizer and chemical spraying.
Thanks to this participatory management system, course fees are free. However, non-residents must make advance reservations three to 15 days before their visit through the Naver Band "Gyeryong Park Golf Course Visit Reservation," with only up to 20 people allowed per day. Visit schedules are also allocated by city and province, so applications must be made according to the assigned date.
Equipment is not rented separately, so players must bring their own gear. The course is regularly closed every Wednesday and also closes for a set period each year to protect the turf. This year, the course is scheduled to remain closed through October 30, when the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee Chairman's Cup ends.
Tracing the Roots of the 'Defense Capital'… Meeting Gyeryong Beyond the Field
After finishing a round, visitors can wrap up their day by exploring nearby attractions where Gyeryong's military culture blends with natural scenery. The Han Hoon Memorial Hall, located within a five-minute drive from the course, is a space honoring the achievements of Han Hoon, a prominent independence activist from Gyeryong. Built on the site of his former home, the memorial vividly conveys his life through a restored well and artifact displays. Combined with the nearby Gyeryongdae Security Ecological Trail, visitors can naturally experience the unique military cultural assets and security values that only Gyeryong, Korea's defense capital, can offer.
Gyeryong Mugunghwa Garden (Mugunghwa Learning Center), built on approximately 11,000 square meters (3,300 pyeong), features numerous varieties of mugunghwa (rose of Sharon) that deliver elegant scenery across the seasons. The site particularly adjoins Goemokjeong, which carries the history of "Sindoan"—the location Joseon Dynasty founder Yi Seong-gye had considered as the capital—making it an ideal spot to enjoy quiet rest under centuries-old zelkova trees.
Sagye Historic House (Eunnongjae), which allows visitors to enjoy both history and culture simultaneously, is another essential linked course. The former residence of Sagye Kim Jang-saeng, a master of Joseon-era ritual studies, combines the tranquil charm of an ancient house with the Sagye Pine Wind Path, making it a beloved regional cultural retreat.
◈Gyeryong Park Golf Course at a Glance
▣Location: Vicinity of 6 Jeongjang-ri, Sindoan-myeon, Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province
▣Size: 36 holes (66,000 square meters, about 20,000 pyeong)
▣Operating Hours: Closed every Wednesday
▣Fees: Free
▣Equipment Rental: Not available
▣Reservation: Gyeryong residents: first-come, first-served on-site / Non-residents: advance reservation via Naver Band "Gyeryong Park Golf Course Visit Reservation"
▣Management: Gyeryong Park Golf Association
